‘Edith Maersk’ to Perform First Call to Gothenburg with Low Sulphur Fuel, Sweden

On 24 January Edith Maersk, one of the world’s largest container vessels, will perform her first call to Gothenburg with low sulphur fuel. This will reduce sulphur emissions close to Gothenburg by 90 percent within the port control area. The fuel switch program will be implemented on all Maersk Line vessels calling Gothenburg in line with the “Improved fuel quality program” introduced by port of Gothenburg.

With this Maersk Line also becomes the first container carrier to join Port of Gothenburg Fuel Switch Program. As a major player in the shipping industry, Maersk Line contributes significantly to total air emissions from vessels. Fuel switch programs near city centres are one of the measures that are taken to lead the way towards more sustainable transportation. Maersk Line vessels, calling port of Gothenburg on a weekly basis will switch to low sulphur marine diesel oil containing less than 0.1 percent sulphur from January 2012 before entering the fairways into Gothenburg. The vessels are sailing in direct service to Asian ports such as Malaysia and China.

“Sulphur is a major problem for our industry. We are concerned with the impact on public health, in particular for people living close to busy ports,” says Jacob Sterling, Head of Climate and Environment, Maersk Line.

The fuel switch program is just in line with Maersk Lines environmental objective – Drive to zero SOx. Maersk Line’s global target is to show leadership and through partnership drive the industry so that that sulphur emissions from shipping can be removed by global regulations.

“The fuel switch will lead to improved health and at the same time reduce our customers supply chain footprint,” says Christian Juul-Nyholm, Manager of Maersk Line Scandinavia. He further said, “Through the participation in this and other fuel switch programs worldwide, Maersk Line clients can feel safe that they choose a carrier that cares for the environment and takes local health impact into consideration.”

One of Maersk Lines valued customers confirms that. “Electrolux welcomes initiatives to reduce the impacts of shipping on people’s health and the environment. Maersk Line’s focus on reducing SOx emissions fits well with Electrolux own commitment to sustainability across our whole supply chain,” says Henrik Sundström, VP Group Sustainability Affairs, AB Electrolux.

“Maersk Line really welcomes the Port of Gothenburg fuel switch program and hopes that other Northern European ports will follow this example,” says Nicklas Viby, Senior Director Maersk Line Northern Europe Operations. “Port of Gothenburg’s program basically maintains a level playing field while keeping it costly for polluters to continue their behaviour and at the same time providing incentives for the ones that change behaviour and take extra costs for switching to low sulphur fuel,” he said.

About Port of Gothenburg

The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic region with 11,000 visits by vessels each year. One-third of Swedish foreign trade passes through the Port of Gothenburg as well as 65 percent of all container traffic.

Operational Fuel Switch details

The Fuel Switch conducted is done in line with Port of Gothenburg Environmental program which requires vessels to sail with a fuel containing less than 0.1 percent sulphur within the Vessel Traffic Area of Gothenburg. In practice the fuel is switched onboard the vessel well before the line 6 nautical miles west of Vinga. Switching involves changing which tank is supplying the fuel and controlling the rate of temperature changes during the transition. Vessel personnel follow the engine manufacturers’ recommendations in the switch. The fuel switch conducted by Maersk Line is estimated to cut sulphur oxide emissions with 12 ton annually in Gothenburg.

About Sulphur emissions from shipping

Local fuel switch programs are an important part of this work through good example and at the same time by reducing emissions in areas where many people live. Other measures that Maersk Line is doing that also reduce sulphur emissions are test of biodiesel in cooperation with US Navy, test of scrubbers in cooperation with Maersk Tankers as well as reductions through reduced energy consumption.

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World Maritime News Staff, January 19, 2012