Seattle pays US$2,250 per ship to 'help' offset eco fuel cost

SEATTLE is expected to pay US$950,000 this year to participants of its Incentives for At-Berth Clean Fuels programme to encourage ships to use costly low-sulphur fuel in auxiliary engines while docked.

The $2,250 paid to each vessel helps offset the use of the expensive low-sulphur fuel while at berth, reports Newark's Journal of Commerce

Nine container and cruise lines participating in the programme have received incentive money for 350 vessel calls so far this year, and the total is expected to reach 400 vessel calls by the end of the year, said the report.

The Seattle Port Commission said the programme has reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by 340 metric tons. Low-sulphur fuel reduces sulphur dioxide emissions 80 per cent and diesel particulate matter emissions 60 per cent compared to traditional bunker fuel.
(Source:www.schednet.com)