Members are referred to the previous Japan P&I News No.719 dated 24 March 2015 and No.724 dated 16 April 2015, in which they were advised that the new regulation (“the Regulation”) would enter into force on 1 July 2015 to prohibit vessels from using any fuel oils with a sulphur content exceeding 0.5% while at berth in Hong Kong (except for the first hour after berthing and the last hour before departure).

In connection with the coming into force of the Regulation, the attached notice was sent by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department (the EPD).  The EPD has provided therein the brief summary and Guideline of the Regulation as well as the incentive scheme launched in 2012 to reduce the port facilities and light dues of vessels using low sulphur fuel oil.  With effect from 1 July 2015, the incentive scheme will be available to not only vessels using low sulphur fuel oil, but also those using LNG, approved fuel or technology which can achieve sulphur dioxide emission reduction as effectively as the use of low sulphur fuel oil.  An advance registration of the vessel is required for the use of this incentive scheme.  Further information on the Guideline, Regulation and the incentive scheme can be found at the following links;

Guideline of the Regulation

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/guide-air-pollution-control-ocean-going-vesselsfuel-berth-regulation.htm

Regulation

http://www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20151911/es22015191151.pdf

Incentive scheme

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/port-facilities-and-light-dues-incentive-scheme-ocean-going-vessels-extended-incentive-scheme.html

Source of Information

Inchcape Shipping Services (Hong Kong) Limited

Club Correspondents at Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2786 1155

E-mail: ssdhk@iss-shipping.com