Seattle encourages low-sulphur fuels

The scheme encourages carriers to burn low-sulphur fuels (0.5% sulphur or less) in their auxiliary engines while at berth in Seattle by providing an incentive of $2,250 for each call during which ships comply with the fuel requirements. ABC Fuels is a partnership that includes some of the Port’s ocean carriers and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The ABC Fuels programme began in 2009 and to date has eliminated more than 96 tonnes of sulphur dioxide emissions. The low-sulphur fuel reduces sulphur dioxide emissions by 80% and diesel particulate matter by 60%. More than 60 vessels from the following nine carriers participated in the programme: Hapag Lloyd, APL, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Evergreen Line, Hamburg Süd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line.