Marine Advisory: 02/2015 - Hong Kong – Low Sulphur Fuel Regulations

19 June 2015 Marine Advisory: 02/2015

SUBJECT: Hong Kong – Low Sulphur Fuel Regulations

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master:

The Secretary for the Environment has issued new Air Pollution Control (Ocean Going Vessels) (Fuel at Berth) Regulation (Cap. 311AA), which mandates ocean-going vessels (OGVs) to use clean fuels while berthed in Hong Kong. The Regulation takes effect on 1 July 2015.

The Regulation requires OGVs to use compliant fuel i.e. low sulphur fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% by weight; or liquefied natural gas; or any other fuels approved by the Director of Environmental Protection while at berth in Hong Kong, except during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure, so as to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions.

Certain information is required to be recorded in a log book, including the date and time of fuel switching and arrival and departure from the berth. Records must be kept for three (3) years.

After the Regulation enters into force on 1 July 2015, masters and owners of any OGVs using non-compliant fuel while at berth in Hong Kong will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for six months. Masters and owners who fail to record or keep the required particulars will also be liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for three months.

The regulation does not apply to warships or any other vessel on military service. It also does not apply to OGVs that only sail across the waters of Hong Kong without berthing, or to ships that do not carry compliant fuel but enter the waters of Hong Kong solely for safety purposes.

The Regulation and additional details can be found at: http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr14-15/english/subleg/sub15_051.htm

For more information please contact the Safety Department at Safety@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.

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