Hong Kong shipping industry extended Fair Winds Charter until December 2013
In 25 January 2013, the Hong Kong shipping industry extended the FWC until December 2013. Participating shipping lines, as well as supporting organizations, urge regional governments to introduce legislation for at berth fuel-switching this year, and collaborate across the PRD region to regulate in line with international standards as quickly as possible,according to press release.
The 17 FWC 2013 participants are: Alianca, APL, China Navigation Co., CMA-CGM, COSCO, Hamburg-Sud, Hanjiin Shipping, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Maersk Line, MOL, NYK Line, OOCL, Pacific Basin, Wah Kwong Shipping, Wan Hai Lines, and Yan Ming Line.
The four FWC 2013 supporting organizations are: The Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association, Civic Exchange, and Wallem.
The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and Marine Department introduced the Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme in September 2012 for vessels that switching to low sulphur fuel at berth in Hong Kong.
The Fair Winds Charter (FWC) is an industry-led, voluntary, at-berth fuel switching programme for ocean-going vessels (OGVs) calling at Hong Kong. It is the first initiative of its kind in Asia, and the only shipping-industry led fuel switching initiative in the world. Participating vessels switch to low sulphur fuel (0.5% sulphur content or less) while at berth in Hong Kong.
