Maersk Line’s voluntary switch to low-sulphur fuel in Port of Singapore reduces sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter generated by its vessels by at least 65%.
Maersk Line makes around 500 port calls in Singapore every year. It has started switching to low-sulphur fuel since July 2011, and to date, about 80% of its vessels calling Singapore have switched from Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to low sulphur fuel (maximum 1.0% sulphur), when they are within port limits.
“Our implementation of fuel switches is in line with our commitment to reduce the impact of shipping on both the environment and the communities we operate in. They build towards our ultimate goal of driving our own operations as well as the shipping industry as whole towards zero SOx emissions. With this fuel switch, we are well on our way to achieve our target of implementing at least ten fuel switch programmes by 2015,” said Thomas Riber Knudsen, Chief Executive Officer for Maersk Line Asia Pacific region.
“We have proceeded with our fuel switch plans despite the significant cost increase, especially with the rise in bunker prices. There is a need for the industry to focus more on improving its environmental performance, including cutting SOx emissions, and we want to set a positive example through our voluntary fuel switches,” added Knudsen.
“We are heartened by and greatly welcome Maersk Line’s decision to have its vessels switch to low-sulphur fuel while within Singapore’s port limits. We hope that more shipping companies will follow Maersk’s lead in adopting environmentally-friendly shipping practices to protect the marine environment and manage the environmental impact of shipping,” said Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Maersk Line was the first carrier to voluntarily switch to low sulphur fuel in California in 2006. Through its various voluntary fuel switch programmes, Maersk Line has cut sulphur emissions by 80-95% in 17 ports globally. Maersk Line’s SOx emissions have been reduced by 7800 tonnes year-to-date.
Supporting the environmental agenda in Singapore Maersk Line’s fuel switch is in support of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s Maritime Singapore Green Initiative, and is part of its Green Port Programme, which seeks to reduce the emissions of pollutants by ocean-going ships calling at the Port of Singapore.
Maersk Line is also looking into further supporting the environmental agenda in Singapore by exploring participation in the other two programmes under the initiative - the Green Ship and the Green Technology Programmes. The first programme supports the use of efficient ship designs that reduce fuel wastage and carbon dioxide emissions, and the latter encourages local maritime companies to develop and adopt green technologies.
“We currently have about 40 Singapore-flagged Maersk Line vessels, which with their energy efficient ship designs, would likely meet the requirements for the Green Ship Programme,” said Knudsen.
“Innovation is essential for improved environmental performance. Maersk Maritime Technology, which specialises in energy-efficiency and innovation in ship technology, is currently in dialogue with local universities regarding collaboration on green-technology projects.”
