Shippers seek emission curbs from Leung Chun-ying at policy address

The city's shipping industry is urging Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to curb noxious exhaust emissions from vessels in next week's policy address.

Its leaders want to see all shipping lines forced to adopt emission limits, similar to an initiative launched by a group of shipowners in 2010 in which they voluntarily agreed to use low-sulphur diesel "to the maximum extent possible" in Hong Kong. Arthur Bowring, managing director of the Shipowners Association, urged Leung "to set out a very clear agenda and timeline for the imposition of regulations that ultimately leads to a globally recognised emissions control area in the Pearl River Delta".

Roberto Giannetta, representing the Liner Shipping Association, said: "We are looking forward to some strong leadership and direction from the chief executive, the rest of the government and the Legislative Council - starting next week with the chief executive's policy address."

Most container shipping lines calling at Kwai Chung container port are members of Giannetta's association, which was instrumental - along with the public policy think tank Civic Exchange - in launching the low-sulphur diesel initiative, called the Fair Winds Charter.

About 18 firms agreed to switch to the fuel while berthed or anchored in Hong Kong.

In return, they wanted the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments to introduce regulatory controls by the end of last year.

More environmentally conscious firms are aware of the harmful effects of marine exhaust pollution and want to be seen taking action voluntarily rather than face tougher legal controls.