Press release -
It pays to choose cleaner fuel in the Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg is continuing to invest in the environment. Shipping lines that choose a cleaner fuel for their vessels when in port waters can now be reimbursed for their increased fuel costs.
The Port of Gothenburg is known internationally for its environmental work. Rail shuttles, onshore power supply for vessels and plans to supply vessels with liquefied natural gas are just some of its flagship initiatives.
Now the port is working with its customers to take its environmental investment to another level. Shipping lines that choose a fuel containing a maximum of 0.1 per cent sulphur can receive up to SEK 250,000 in compensation for increased fuel costs. 0.1 per cent sulphur is 10 times lower than the statutory limit. Other fuels, such as liquefied natural gas, can also qualify for financial support.
For a number of years the Port of Gothenburg has levied a supplementary charge on vessels with more than 0.5 per cent sulphur in the fuel. The revenue from this charge, what has been termed an environmentally differentiated port charge, is now being channelled back to shipping lines that choose to invest in clean fuel in their tanks.
"We have worked with our customers to arrive at proposals for how this revenue should be used. Providing support for low-sulphur fuel is one of several initiatives," states Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg chief executive.
Sulphur emissions harmful to both human beings and the environment
Shipping is an energy-efficient means of transporting goods, particularly when combined with rail for land transport. One large container vessel can carry as much freight as 5,000 trucks. However, sulphur emissions are still a major problem for shipping. Sulphur dioxide acidifies land and water and spreads particles that are hazardous to health. Furthermore, the highest sulphur emissions from shipping take place close to the coast, i.e. where people live.
"Through this environmental measure we aim to demonstrate that it is possible to take important steps towards cleaner shipping through voluntary collaboration and our hope is that in this way we will facilitate the transition to low-sulphur fuels," states Magnus Kårestedt.
At www.portgot.se you can read more about the programme and other programmes for cleaner shipping at the Port of Gothenburg.
For further information, please contact Cecilia Carlsson, phone +46 (0)31-731 22 45.
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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.
