APL to burn low-sulfur fuel in Hong Kong

APL to burn low-sulfur fuel in Hong Kong    APL said its vessels would begin using low-sulfur fuel when calling in Hong Kong in order to reduce air pollution.
   The voluntary effort, which begins this month, will cut sulfur dioxide emissions from ships at port by 87 percent, according to APL. APL has 85 ships call Hong Kong each week.
   'We have a large presence in Hong Kong and with that comes the responsibility to be a good corporate citizen,' said George Goldman, APL's vice president and managing director in Hong Kong and South China. 'We're taking this step unilaterally to make the point that global trade growth and environmental health are not mutually exclusive goals.'
   APL vessels at berth will convert to low-sulfur fuel in auxiliary generators that power shipboard electrical systems. It's more expensive than the diesel fuel typically burned, but better for the environment, the company said. Since 2007, APL has used low-sulfur in ships calling at the Ports of Los Angeles and Seattle.
   Maersk Line announced similar plans to burn low sulfur fuel in Hong Kong in September.