Gothenburg low-sulfur campaign reaches 43 vessels
The Port of Gothenburg in Sweden says it now has 43 vessels signed on to a campaign for improved fuel quality, thanks to Höegh Autoliners, which registered seven vessels for participation.
The campaign, which began in 2011, means that vessels that switch to a low-sulfur fuel when operating in the port area receive financial compensation.
Six shipping lines have joined the campaign, and the port says that will add up to a 100-tonne reduction in sulfur dioxide emissions in Gothenburg in 2012. Höegh Autoliners, a Norwegian owned ro-ro operator, calls on the port every other week.
"The Port of Gothenburg environmental campaign is a way for us to reduce our environmental footprint," said Trond Sjursen, head of European operations at Höegh Autoliners.
"This is an ongoing part of our operations.
"Switching to low-sulphur fuel is costly but the environmental campaign has made it easier for shipping lines to change."
The other participating companies are Maersk Line, which registered 19 vessels; Stena Oil with six; Thun Tankers Sweden AB and Top Oil, with five each; and OW Bunker with one.
The port is also working to build the infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering at the port by 2015, when tougher emissions limits go into effect in the European Emissions Control Area.