Maersk Line extends SOx emission reduction programme to NZ ports

AS part of Maersk Line's drive to reduce sulphur emissions from its fleet of vessels to zero, the carrier said it has expanded its fuel switch programme to all nine ports in New Zealand.


Switching from bunker to low sulphur fuel is expected to reduce sulphur oxide emissions released into the air by its ships calling at New Zealand's ports by 80-95 per cent.


"Most New Zealand ports are in or very near major urban areas. The SOx reduction will positively impact the public health and local environment," said Julian Bevis, managing director for Maersk Line, New Zealand.


To improve the air quality around ports, the shipping line has committed itself to implementing fuel switch programmes at a minimum of 10 locations around the world by 2015, a company statement said.


"Sulphur is a major problem for our industry. We are concerned with the health impacts of repeated, long-term airborne exposure to SOx, in particular for people living close to busy ports," said the carrier's head of climate & environment, Jacob Sterling.
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)