Seattle ups reward for using low-sulfur bunkers
In an effort to encourage vessels to reach early compliance with 2015 Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations, the Port of Seattle has increase the cash available to vessels using bunker fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10 per cent while at berth. The move comes under the 2009-launched At Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels Program, which encourages vessels to burn low-sulphur fuels at the port. According to the port, this year’s payout will be offered on a “per metric tonne” basis to vessels that achieve early compliance with the upcoming North American ECA regulations. The rule currently requires vessels sailing within 200 nautical miles of the North American coast to use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 1.00 per cent. This limit falls to 0.10 per cent in 2015. “The incentive payout depends on the amount of fuel burned and could be as much as $7,400 per qualifying vessel call,” according to port information. Port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman says the program has eliminated more than 835 metric tonnes of sulphur dioxide emissions from the wider Puget Sound region over the past seven years. The port has paid out approximately $3 million in incentives so far. This will be the final year for the ABC Fuels Program. The program applies to qualifying vessels in port through December 31st, 2014.