Sweden: Port of Gothenburg Finances Improved Fuel Quality Programme

The Port of Gothenburg has already paid out SEK 2 million this year to the shipping companies that are participating in the port’s Improved Fuel Quality programme. This initiative is benefitting both the marine environment and the shipping industry. Last year, the programme contributed to reducing sulphur emissions by 100 tonnes, and the positive trend continues. The first six months of 2013 the programme meant that 60 tonnes less sulphur dioxide were emitted in Gothenburg.

The Port of Gothenburg has been at the forefront with its environmental programme for a long time. Apart from its rail shuttle system Railport Scandinavia and shoreside power supply for vessels at the quayside, it has also been running a programme for a cleaner marine environment since 2011. Ships that use a fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1 per cent receive compensation twice a year, subject to a maximum of SEK 125,000 for each six-month period.

“The programme is a means of encouraging shipping companies to contribute to cleaner shipping and prepare for the stricter EU Sulphur Directive, which will come into force on January 1, 2015. The reduced sulphur emissions during the first six months of 2013 indicates that the emissions will be even lower than last year“, says Anna Jivén, acting Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg.

Shipping companies that use other environmentally friendly fuels, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), will also qualify for financial support.

 Environmentally differentiated port charge

By mid-year 2013, SEK 2 million had been paid out. The Port of Gothenburg finances the programme through its environmentally differentiated port charge, which is a surcharge imposed on ships that use fuel with a sulphur content higher than 0.5 per cent.

Martin Guldhed, Commercial Operations Manager at Stena Oil, regards its participation in the Port of Gothenburg programme as a natural progression.

“Environmental issues and safety are constantly in focus for us. All our ships in the immediate area use marine gas oil. Our customers and suppliers hopefully share our view of the environment, the future and sustainability.”

The following shipping companies are included in the programme for 2013

Maersk Line – 13 vessels

Thun Tankers – 12 vessels

Stena Oil – 6 vessels

Top Oil – 4 vessels

Scandinavian Shipping – 4 vessels

OW Bunker – 1 vessel

 More money available

The programme will continue in 2014, which means that more shipping companies will have the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner marine environment in Gothenburg. If you would like to join the programme, download the application documents below. Send the completed application by e-mail to [email protected]. Reimbursement cannot exceed the port charges collected during the year.

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Port of Gothenburg, September 19, 2013