Container shipping line APL is switching all Singapore-bound vessels to a cleaner-burning fuel in a bid to cut sulphur-oxide emissions in the island state.
All 80 APL vessels calling at Singapore began converting to low-sulphur fuel (also known as marine gas oil) today (13 April). The ships make over 900 port calls to Singapore annually.
APL, which is part of Singapore's Neptune Orient Line logistics group, said the switch marks a 'maritime milestone', and makes it the first shipper to use low-sulphur gas in Singapore.
'We are proud to be the first container shipping line to convert to cleaner-burning fuel here,' said APL president Eng Aik Meng. 'As Singapore's largest carrier, we feel a responsibility to manage the environmental impact of global trade.'
Sulphur oxides are considered a key component of acid rain. By using low-sulphur fuel, ash and particulate matter emissions can be cut by 80-90 per cent, according to APL.
APL's move beats a deadline set by the International Maritime Organisation and adopted by Singapore calling for a reduction in the sulphur content of marine fuel to 3.5 per cent in 2012, and 0.5 per cent in 2020.
APL began a voluntary fuel-switching programme in Los Angeles and Seattle in 2007. The shipping line has since extended the scheme to Vancouver, Hong Kong, New York and New Jersey.
Marine gas oil is more expensive than standard marine fuel, but better for the environment, APL said.
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