Press release -
Campaign saved 120 tonnes of sulphur emissions
The Port of Gothenburg's campaign for a cleaner shipping industry is continuing to bear fruit. During 2013, 49 vessels took part in the programme. In total, they saved 120 tonnes of sulphur emissions.
Shipping companies that switch to marine gas oil, LNG or another similar fuel with a maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur content while operating in the Port of Gothenburg can take part in the environmental campaign. They will be rewarded with up to SEK 250,000 per year per vessel.
In total, SEK 4 million was paid out during 2013 as part of the environmental campaign. The goal is to reduce emissions from shipping in Gothenburg and to facilitate preparations in the lead-up to the new EU Sulphur Directive, which will come into effect in 2015. The campaign is funded through the port charge, which for many years has meant payment of a surcharge if a ship's fuel sulphur content exceeds 0.5 per cent.
"In 2013, the campaign resulted in savings of 120 tonnes of sulphur emissions, which is 13 tonnes more than in 2012, says Anna Jivén, acting Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg.
B-Gas took part in the campaign in 2013 with nine vessels.
"We want to support innovative initiatives related to a cleaner environment and it felt perfectly natural to be part of the Port of Gothenburg work in this area," says Kim Kristensen, President of B-Gas.
The environmental programme is subject to strict controls. The Port of Gothenburg is co-funding a study currently being conducted at Chalmers University of Technology where a research group at the Department of Earth and Space Sciences is monitoring vessels entering or leaving the port.
"Flue gas plumes are analysed via a measuring station located on the roof of the Älvsborg fortress. This allows us to measure the level of sulphur in the fuel and to determine how effective the sulphur programme actually is," says Anna Jivén.
Shipping companies participating in the Environmental Campaign 2013
Thun Tankers 13
vessels
Maersk Sverige 13 vessels
B-Gas 9 vessels
Stena Oil 6 vessels
Topoil 4 vessels
Scandinavian Shipping 3 vessels
OW Bunker 1 vessels
More money available – see www.goteborgshamn.se/miljokampanj
The programme will continue in 2014, which means that more shipping companies will have the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner marine environment in Gothenburg. If you would like to join the programme, download the application documents below. Send the completed application by e-mail to miljo@portgot.se. Reimbursement cannot exceed the port charges collected during the year.
If you have any further questions about the Improved Fuel Quality programme, please contact Anna Jivén, acting Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg on +46 (0)31-368 75 88. More information is also available at www.portofgothenburg.com/campaign.
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Fact file: 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 per cent of all container traffic.
The Port of Gothenburg is the only port in Sweden with the capacity to receive the world's largest container vessels and has the broadest range of shipping routes within and outside Europe. The 26 rail shuttles that depart each day mean that companies throughout Sweden and Norway have a direct, environmentally smart link to the largest port in the Nordic region. The Port of Gothenburg has terminals for oil, cars, ro-ro, containers and passengers.
