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On 24 January 2012, Edith Maersk, the world’s largest container vessel, will perform her first call to Gothenburg with low-sulphur fuel. This will reduce sulphur emissions close to Gothenburg by 90 percent within the port control area. The fuel switch programme will be implemented on all Maersk Line vessels calling Gothenburg in line with the Improved fuel quality programme introduced by the port of Gothenburg.
Gothenburg, January 2012 – As a major player in the shipping industry, Maersk Line contributes significantly to total air emissions from vessels. Fuel switch programmes near city centres; they are one of the measures taken to ensure more sustainable transportation. The Maersk Line vessels, calling at the port of Gothenburg on a weekly basis have, from January 2012, switched to low-sulphur marine diesel oil containing less than 0.1 percent sulphur. These vessels sail direct to Asian ports such as Malaysia and China.
“Sulphur is a major problem for our industry. We are concerned with the impact on public health, in particular for people living close to busy ports,” says Jacob Sterling, Head of Climate and Environment, Maersk Line.
The fuel switch programme is in line with the Maersk Line environmental objective to drive sulphur oxide emissions down to zero. The Maersk Line global target is to show leadership, and through partnership drive the industry so that sulphur emissions from shipping are removed through global regulation.
“The fuel switch will lead to improved health and at the same time reduce our customers’ supply chain footprint”, says Christian Juul-Nyholm, Manager of Maersk Line Scandinavia. He continues “Through the participation in this and other fuel switch programmes worldwide, Maersk Line clients can feel safe that they chose a carrier that cares for the environment and takes local health impact into consideration”.
Maersk Line’s customers are also enthusiastic. “Electrolux welcomes initiatives to reduce the impacts of shipping on people's health and the environment. Maersk Line's focus on reducing sulphur oxide emissions fits well with Electrolux’s own commitment to sustainability across our whole supply chain. ” says Henrik Sundström, VP Group Sustainability Affairs, AB Electrolux.
“Maersk Line really welcomes the Port of Gothenburg fuel switch programme and hopes that other Northern European ports will follow this example” says Nicklas Viby, Senior Director Maersk Line Northern Europe Operations. “The Port of Gothenburg’s programme basically maintains a level playing field, making it costly for polluters to continue their behavior. It also provides incentives to change those behaviours,” Nicklas Viby adds.
About Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic region with 11,000 visits by vessels each year. One-third of Swedish foreign trade passes through the Port of Gothenburg as well as 65 percent of all container traffic.
Operational Fuel Switch details
The fuel switch is done in line with Port of Gothenburg Environmental programme which require vessels to sail with a fuel containing less than 0.1 percent sulphur within the Vessel Traffic Area of Gothenburg. In practice, the fuel is switched onboard the vessel well before the line 6 nautical miles west of Vinga. Switching involves changing which tank is supplying the fuel and controlling the rate of temperature changes during the transition. Vessel personnel follow the engine manufacturers’ recommendations during the switch. The fuel switch conducted by Maersk Line is estimated to cut sulphur oxide emissions with 12 ton annually in Gothenburg.
About Sulphur emissions from shipping
Local fuel switch programmes are an important part of this work and pose as good examples, at the same time reducing emissions in areas where many people live. Other measures on the part of Maersk Line that also reduce sulphur emissions are test of biodiesel in cooperation with US Navy, test of scrubbers in cooperation with Maersk Tankers, as well as reductions through reduced energy consumption.
About Maersk Line
Maersk Line is a division of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group and is the leading liner shipping company in the world serving customers all over the globe. Our operations comprise more than 500 vessels, 17,000 employees, and 2 million containers spread across 135 countries. Maersk Line was the first ocean carrier to have its fleet’s carbon emissions independently verified.
For more information please visit » new.maerskline.com or » download the 2010 Maersk Line Sustainability Progress Report
For more information:
Karl Jivén, Sustainability Manager Maersk Line Scandinavia
+46 (31)-751 14 08, (karl.jiven@maersk.com)
Maurice Ruygers Vaillant, Head of Sustainability Maersk Line Northern Europe Liner Operations
+31 (10) 712 7822, (maurice.vaillant@maersk.com)
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By switching fuel types on vessels such as the Edith Maersk (pictured), Maersk Line is helping to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
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