A new regulation for reducing maritime air pollution is being considered by the Legislative Council at Hong Kong; if approved, it will take effect on 1 January 2019, according to the Environment Protection Department (EPD).
The new regulation seeks to extend the mandatory use of 0.5% sulphur limit fuel to all vessels (including Ocean Going Vessels and non-Ocean Going Vessels) within the waters of Hong Kong, irrespective of whether they are sailing or berthing.
Since July 2015, the Hong Kong government has mandated the use of 0.5% sulphur limit marine fuel for Ocean Going Vessels (OGVs) while at berth.
The proposed regulation includes the consumption of low-sulphur marine fuel (sulphur content not exceeding 0.5%), liquefied natural gas or any other fuel approved by the Director of Environmental Protection, which has the same requirements as set out in the current “Fuel at Berth” regulation for OGVs.
The type of vessels affected by the proposed regulation are mainly OGVs that are using heavy fuel oil (with an average sulphur content of 2.6%), says the EPD.
Other non-OGVs (including river trade and local vessels) normally use locally supplied marine light diesel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.05% and therefore are not affected by the proposed regulation.
“When the Regulation comes into effect, OGVs that are using heavy fuel oil are required to switch to compliant fuel before entering Hong Kong waters,” said a note from EPD.
“The owner and master of an OGV 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 sulphur dioxide (SO2) when compared with using low-sulphur marine fuel, the OGV may be exempted from using compliant fuel.”
When the regulation comes into effect, except for specified vessel types as set out in the regulation, the master and owner concerned of any vessel using non-compliant fuel within the waters of Hong Kong will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Shipmasters and ship owners of OGVs 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.
Published: 13 July, 2018
‘Maritime has the opportunity to tackle sustainability by embracing data and developing a hub for maritime intelligence,’ says Maritime Business Development Manager.
Korean ship yard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering will build the six vessels and deliver them to Hapag-Lloyd between April and December 2023.
Yard has developed ‘significant insight’ for geographical-specific drivetrain setups through experience.
Chinese Ministry of Transport introduces new Coastal ECA, adds Hainan Coastal ECA and two inland ECAs.
Operations have started on 23 of September and a detected breach in the concentration limit will result in a ship inspection at the next port of call, said EMSA.
New MSA Notice (2018) 555 issued on 29 December 2018 says ban took effect from 1 January 2019.
Transferred shares of 40 subsidiaries to BVI firm after tribunal awarded claims in favour of Trinity Seatrading; YSPL has also filed a civil complaint against DNV and Liberian ship registry at Nanjing Maritime Court.
ADNOC L&S, Gulf Energy Maritime, Cockett Marine Oil, Mideast/Bahri Ship Management and VPS experts present their views on biofuel bunker hurdles at the VPS Biofuels Seminar in Dubai on 16 March.
‘Bunker barges operate in very local areas so these vessels call at port very often which means it will be a good fit for women with families,’ states Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International.
“Our Singapore branch is under preparation and is expected to start business at the republic before June 2023,” Managing Director Darcy Wong tells bunkering publication Manifold Times in an interview.
Development to supply B35 biodiesel blend officially takes effect on 1 February; local bunker suppliers will be able to deliver updated spec within March onwards, once current stocks of B30 avails run out.
VPS, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, and INTERTANKO executives offered a multitude of perspectives to 73 attendees during the VPS Biofuels Seminar, reports Manifold Times.
