Cleaner shipping for Maersk and Broström
Maersk Line is the first container company to switch to low-sulphur fuel in the Port of Gothenburg
The world's largest container carrier, Maersk Line, and Broström, part of Maersk Tankers, have joined the Port of Gothenburg campaign for cleaner shipping.
The two shipping companies are currently switching to fuel with a maximum of 0.1% sulphur when operating in the port area.
Five shipping companies, with 37 vessels, are now participating in the Port of Gothenburg environmental campaign for cleaner shipping.
For several years, the Port of Gothenburg has imposed a surcharge on vessels with more than 0.5% sulphur content in fuel. In autumn 2010, the port decided that the revenue from this environmentally differentiated port charge could be reinvested in shipping companies that opt for clean fuels (maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur content). The shipping companies can receive up to SEK 250,000 in compensation for the higher fuel costs. Other environmental measures are also rewarded.
Maersk Line is one of the world's largest shipping companies and the first container company to switch to low-sulphur fuel in the Port of Gothenburg. Broström is part of the same group as Maersk Line, A.P. Moller Maersk, and is the first tanker company to join the environmental campaign. Apart from these two companies, Stena Oil, Topoil and OW Bunker are also participating.
A total of 37 vessels have already applied for compensation for using fuel with a maximum of 0.1% sulphur.
Åsa Wilske, Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg, said: "We are seeking to demonstrate that it is possible to take significant steps towards cleaner shipping through voluntary collaboration and innovative ways of working."
This investment in cleaner fuel will be of major importance to the environment. The 37 vessels that are involved will reduce their sulphur emissions by 90 per cent in the port area. Because of the campaign, sulphur dioxide emissions are expected to fall by 152 tonnes during 2011 and 2012.
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