Maersk Line fuel switch a strong boost for air quality

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Embargoed until 8 March, 2011

Maersk Line fuel switch a strong boost for air quality

A new fuel-switching programme being introduced by Maersk Line will see the company’s vessels cut sulphur oxide levels in their exhaust gases by more than 80 percent when they are berthed in New Zealand ports.

The Maersk Batur, which arrives in Auckland today, will be the first vessel to switch from the marine fuel used at sea to low-sulphur fuel when in port, a move Maersk Line’s New Zealand Managing Director, Julian Bevis, says will have a strongly positive impact on air quality levels.

“Marine fuels are higher in sulphur content than fuels used on land. While the industry as a whole is considering a number of ways to reduce total sulphur emissions, switching to low-sulphur fuels in port is a way we can improve the environmental performance of our fleet, and improve air quality in and around New Zealand’s ports,” says Mr Bevis.

“Most New Zealand ports are in or very near major urban areas, so any improvements we can make should generate tangible population health benefits.”

The new initiative has been welcomed by Ports of Auckland.
Managing Director Tony Gibson says the port is very conscious of the benefits and the responsibilities of being located in the centre of the country’s major city, and of the need to be a good neighbour to people and businesses nearby.

“In order to improve air quality at the port, we have invested significantly in more fuel-efficient plant, and we are delighted that Maersk is introducing an initiative that will significantly reduce sulphur emissions here and in other ports around the country.

Auckland Council has also welcomed the initiative. Councillor Wayne Walker, Chair of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Forum, says numerous studies have linked high sulphur levels with respiratory illness and heart disease.

“While sulphur emissions from motor vehicles and industrial processes have reduced over the years, there are still improvements to be made.
“We are very pleased that Maersk vessels will now be burning low-sulphur fuel when they are in port, and we hope other lines will follow their lead,” he says.

Mr Bevis says the fuel switch initiative is part of Maersk’s drive to cut sulphur emissions from its fleet to zero. The company has already begun similar initiatives in Hong Kong, the EU, and several North American ports.

Mr Bevis says eco-efficiency and environmental sustainability are central to Maersk’s overall business strategy.

“Maersk has significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions across the fleet, and we are working on ways to continue that rate of improvement. However, we are also determined to reduce pollution levels generally, and this initiative is an important part of that process.”

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