Hong Kong: Hong Kong has moved a step closer to forming Asia’s first Emissions Control Area (ECA). The Air Pollution Control (Marine Light Diesel) Regulation was gazette today to introduce regulatory control on the quality of marine light diesel (MLD) with a view to reducing emissions from local vessels.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that the regulation provides for the specifications that must be met by locally supplied MLD, which include a 0.05% sulphur limit, which is a 90% reduction from the current sulphur content of MLD which is about 0.5%.
"Marine vessels operating on 0.05% sulphur diesel emit about 90% less sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 30% less respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) than those operating on 0.5% sulphur diesel. Implementing the regulation will reduce emissions of SO2 and RSPs from the marine sector by 19% and 10% respectively. This will help to improve the ambient air quality and reduce health risks for the population, especially those in the coastal areas," he said.
Any person who supplies non-compliant MLD may be liable to a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to three months.
The regulation will be tabled in the Legislative Council for negative vetting on January 22. Subject to the approval of the Council, the regulation will take effect on April 1, 2014. [17/01/14]
