Ocean-going vessels (OGVs) to become eligible for a 50% reduction in port facility & light dues if they switch to cleaner fuel while berthed in Hong Kong waters.
"The government has been implementing a package of 22 measures, targeting various major polluting sources, with a view to improving the air quality in Hong Kong," Hong Kong Secretary for the Environment. Reducing marine emissions is one of our priorities and the launch of the incentive scheme is a step forward to achieving this goal.
Mr. Wong said that under the incentive program, OGVs would enjoy a 50 percent reduction in port facility and light dues by switching from bunker oil to fuel with sulfur content of not more than 0.5 percent for their auxiliary engines, boilers and generators while at berth in Hong Kong waters. He commented that the incentive program would help reduce vessel emissions and improve the air quality around the port area.
In his 2012-13 budget speech, Hong Kong Financial Secretary announced the initiative to reduce by half the port facility and light dues charged on OGVs using low-sulfur fuel while berthing in Hong Kong waters.
In 2011, about 32,500 calls to Hong Kong were recorded. They are subject to port facility and light dues based on their tonnage at US$5.5 per 100 tons for every port call to Hong Kong.
Starting from September 26, 2012, the incentive program will last for three years.