APL volunteered to burn cleaner fuel in every vessel calling at the ports of New York and New Jersey. The agreement is part of a Port Authority program designed to curb emissions in New York Harbor. Under the plan, APL vessels will use low-sulfur fuel in auxiliary generators while berthed.
“We have been leaders in implementing clean-air measures on our ships,” said Gene Seroka, APL President in the Americas. “Bringing this effort to New York Harbor is a logical step for us.”
Earlier in October, APL joined a low-sulfur fuel program at the Port of Hong Kong. It has long been part of similar programs at the ports of Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Port Authority will reimburse 50% of the added cost APL incurs. Low-sulfur fuel is more expensive to burn. But according to APL, converting to low-sulfur fuel can reduce particulate matter emissions 75% and sulfur oxides by more than 85%.