Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department is considering asking ocean-going vessels to use fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 0.1% while they are berthed in Hong Kong waters, a source at the department said Thursday.

Currently, ships can use fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 3.5% under the regulation set by the International Maritime Organization, while the ISO 8217:2005 standard requires a maximum sulfur content of 1.5% for marine gasoil, and 2.0% for marine diesel oil.

MDO and MGO are typically consumed while vessels are berthed.

The Hong Kong government said January 16 in a policy address for 2013 that it was considering new legislation to enforce the use of cleaner fuel. But it gave no details.

The government started a three-year incentive scheme on September 26 last year for the use of marine fuel with maximum sulfur content below 0.5%.

Under the scheme, ocean-going vessels calling at Hong Kong will get a 50% discount on port facilities and light dues of HK$43 ($5.54) for every 100 tons of vessel weight, if they use marine fuel with a sulfur content of less than 0.5% at the berth.

EPD is collecting views on the new regulation from the industry, which should be submitted by April 8, according to the source.

Source: Platts