Scroll

31 Jul 2015 / Hong Kong, all ports

Switch to clean fuel while at berth

The Air Pollution Control (Ocean Going Vessels) (Fuel at Berth) Regulation (Cap. 311AA), which mandates ocean-going vessels (OGVs) to use clean fuels while berthing in Hong Kong, will take effect on 1 July 2015. Details of the Regulation can be found in the following website: www.legislation.gov.hk/eng/home.htm. The Regulation requires OGVs to use compliant fuel i.e. low sulphur fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% by weight, liquefied natural gas and any other fuels approved by the Director of Environmental Protection while at berth in Hong Kong, except during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure, so as to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. The masters are required to record the date and time of fuel switching and keep the relevant records for three years. If an OGV uses technology that can achieve the same or less emission of SO2 as compared with using low sulphur marine fuel, the OGV may be exempted from switching to compliant fuel. After the Regulation enters into force on 1 July 2015, masters and owners of any OGVs using non-compliant fuel while at berth in Hong Kong will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months. Masters and owners who fail to record or keep the required particulars will also be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for three months. Masters, agents and operators are required to observe the new requirements and to exercise due diligence to comply with the Regulation. (For information about operations in Hong Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at [email protected]) Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.56 of 2015

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon