Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has extended its incentive scheme for ocean-going vessels (OGVs) switching to cleaner fuel while at berth in Hong Kong until March 31, 2018.
On June 1, the EPD started to accept applications for registration under the Extended Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme.
“To improve air quality, the Government launched a three-year incentive scheme on September 26, 2012, to encourage OGVs to switch to low-sulphur marine fuel (i.e. with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5 per cent) while at berth by reducing by half their port facilities and light dues,” an EPD spokesman said.
”The switch to cleaner fuel (i.e. low-sulphur marine fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other approved fuel) for OGVs at berth will become mandatory on July 1 this year, following the Legislative Council’s approval of the Air Pollution Control (Ocean Going Vessels) (Fuel at Berth) Regulation this April.”
On July 1, the scope of the incentive scheme will be extended to cover not only OGVs using low-sulphur fuel but also those using LNG or approved fuel or technology that can achieve sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission reduction as effectively as the use of low-sulphur fuel while at berth.
All registrations under the current scheme will expire on September 25 this year. Owners, operators or their agents of OGVs registered under the current incentive scheme should apply for registration for the extended incentive scheme before September 26 this year.