A project aimed at slashing the volume of air emissions at the Port of Seattle in the US has already made a difference, according to the Port's authority, with sulfur dioxide down 80 per cent and diesel particulate matter falling 60 per cent.
The programme, entitled 'At-Berth clean fuels', involves shipping groups using low sulfur fuel in their auxiliary engines while docked, with the Puget Sound clean Air Agency defraying the costs of this more expensive low sulfur fuel by handing participating vessels US$1,500 for each port call.
'ACB Fuels reduces emissions where it makes the greatest difference,' said Phil Lutes, deputy managing director of the Port's seaport division. 'When ships are in port, they're close to where people work and live. Switching to low sulfur diesel when they're tied up at our piers means cleaner air for out region.'
Shipping lines participating in the ongoing programme include APL, CMA CGM, China Ocean Shipping Company, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation and Norwegian Cruise Line.
'We're proud to partner on this project and commend the Port of Seattle for championing this effort to keep the 'Emerald City' green,' said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. 'This programme achieves immediate and significant emission reductions when ships are in port, to the benefit of all those who live and breathe in the surrounding areas. We hope to see other larger container carriers and cruise lines take advantage of this programme.'
No comments yet