Hong Kong sulphur cap regulations drafted
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New rules outline a 0.05% sulphur limit for locally supplied MGO
Hong Kong is moving ahead with plans to impose new limits on the sulphur content of marine gasoil (MGO) supplied at its port. The government has drafted the Air Pollution Control regulation for MGO, which is set to be published on Friday.
The new rules will outline a 0.05% sulphur limit for locally supplied MGO, down from the current 0.50%, it said.
This will mean reductions of some 90% in sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 30% in particulate matter (PM) from vessel emissions, according to a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department. This translates to a 19% decrease in SO2 and a 10% fall in PM from the maritime industry.
Penalties for non-compliance may include a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment for up to three months, the government added. The regulatory draft, which is subject to further amendments, is set to take effect on April 1. Meanwhile, the draft has been scheduled for review with the country's legislative council on Jan 22.
The Hong Kong government has been attempting to improve air quality and reduce health risks amid increasing emission levels from the roadside and marine industries. It is also in separate plans to lower the sulphur cap for bunker fuel used in Pearl River Delta to 0.50%, by having the region made into an Emission Control Area from January 2015.