We have obtained the following information from Taiwan Maritime Services Ltd., our correspondent in Taiwan:

With the aim of reducing emission and improving air quality, Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication announced that with effect from 1 January 2019 vessels calling Taiwanese ports are required to use fuel with sulphur content of 0.5% or less. This move is one year ahead of implementation date of 1 January 2020 set by IMO.

As an encouragement, where those vessels, complying with the 0.5% sulphur content of the fuel, call at Kaohsiung port from 1 February 2018 through 31 December 2018 they shall be awarded a subsidy of NT$5,000.

For container vessels and cruise ships that reduce speed to below 12 knots within 20 nautical miles of port area while entering and leaving Taiwanese commercial ports, a subsidy of NT$8,000 shall be given per voyage.

Members are recommended to check with local agents for more details.