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Maersk Line and Broström join campaign for cleaner shipping

The two shipping companies are currently switching to fuel with a maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur when they operate in the port area. Five shipping companies, with 37 vessels, are now participating in the Port of Gothenburg environmental campaign for cleaner shipping.

For several years, the Port of Gothenburg has imposed a surcharge on vessels with more than 0.5 per cent sulphur in the fuel. In autumn 2010, the port decided that the revenue from this environmentally differentiated port charge could be reinvested in shipping companies that opt for clean fuels (maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur content). The shipping companies can receive up to SEK 250,000 in compensation for the higher fuel costs. Other environmental measures are also rewarded.

Maersk Line and Broström have recently joined the campaign. Maersk Line is one of the world’s largest shipping companies and the first container company to switch to low-sulphur fuel in the Port of Gothenburg. Broström is part of the same group as Maersk Line, A.P. Moller Maersk, and is the first tanker company to join the environmental campaign. Apart from these two companies, Stena Oil, Topoil and OW Bunker are also participating.

A total of 37 vessels have applied for compensation for using fuel with a maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur.

Åsa Wilske, Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg, is extremely pleased that more and more shipping companies are opting to become part of the environmental campaign. “We are seeking to demonstrate that it is possible to take significant steps towards cleaner shipping through voluntary collaboration and innovative ways of working.” 

Substantial reduction in sulphur emissions
As a mode of transport, shipping is very energy efficient. One large container ship can carry the same volume of freight as 7,000 trucks. Despite this, the emission of sulphur dioxide and particles is still a major problem for shipping. Sulphur dioxide acidifies land and water and spreads particles that are hazardous to health.

The investment in cleaner fuel will be of major importance to the environment. The 37 vessels that are involved will reduce their sulphur emissions by 90 per cent in the port area. Because of the campaign, emissions of sulphur dioxide are expected to fall during 2011 and 2012 by 152 tonnes.

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