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Following is a question by the Hon Choy So-yuk and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (July 4):
Question:
I have learnt that some large cruise ships, instead of using the electricity supplied by local power companies, burned heavy oils to generate electricity for facilities on board when berthed in Hong Kong, hence emitting black smoke continuously and polluting the air. In this
connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the total number of complaints received by the Government in the past three years about pollutant emissions from cruise ships;
(b) whether it knows the number of cruise ships that berthed in Hong Kong last year and their total berthing time; and how such figures compare with the relevant estimated figures upon the commissioning of the cruise terminal which is under planning; and the average level of pollutant emissions per hour from such cruise ships when they berthed in Hong Kong, including the types and amount of pollutants;
(c) whether the pollutant emission level of cruise ships within Hong Kong territory is subject to regulation by the "International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto" and the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation which is being drafted; if so, of the details, and whether the situation is regularly monitored by the Environmental Protection Department; if there is monitoring, of the results; if the emission level is not subject to regulation, the reasons for that; and
(d) whether it will strengthen control on pollutant emissions from cruise ships; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) From January 1, 2004 to May 31, 2007, the Marine Department ("MD") has received four complaints against pollutant emissions from cruise ships, but none was substantiated.
(b) In 2006, 3,297 cruise ships arrived at Hong Kong, of which 1,585 berthed at the Ocean Terminal and other terminals while 1,712 moored or anchored at buoys. Their total berthing time was estimated to be 32,000 hours, of which about 9,300 hours were their berthing time alongside
terminals.
According to findings from studies to track the market development trend, the commissioning of the new cruise terminal in 2012 will attract more international cruise ships to Hong Kong. Subject to market situation and different growth scenarios, it will probably lead to an
additional increase of more than 120 berthings. However, the studies did not estimate their berthing time.
The Administration has not specifically measured the level of pollutant emission per hour from cruise ships when they berth or moor in Hong Kong. The amount of pollutant emissions from ships depends on such factors as the content and consumption level of fuel, and the design,
operation and maintenance of engines. In general, emissions from ships' engines and generators mainly include carbon dioxide, respirable suspended particulates (RSP), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). According to the 2005 air emission inventory of the Environmental Protection Department, RSP, SO2 and NOx emitted from all types of ships account for 7%, 5% and 18% of the total emission in Hong Kong respectively.
(c) The proposed Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation for the implementation in Hong Kong of Annex VI to the "International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto" (MARPOL) shall apply to all Hong Kong ships and to all non-Hong Kong ships, including cruise ships, within the waters of Hong Kong. The Regulation imposes restrictions on ship emissions of harmful substances such as ozone-depleting substances, NOx and SOx. It also seeks to control the quality of fuel oil used on board vessels and regulates shipboard incineration. Moreover, survey and certification will be required for ships of 400 gross tonnage or above.
Upon the commencement of the Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution) Regulation, MD will carry out port state control inspections on ships visiting Hong Kong, including cruise ships that berth or moor in Hong Kong, to ensure their compliance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI.
(d) As cruise ships are mainly engaged in international voyages, we consider that the international standards for prevention of pollution as stipulated in MARPOL would be the most appropriate level of control over cruise ships.
Ends/Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:58
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