*********************************************************
Following is the speech by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, at the launch event of the Fair Winds Charter 2013 this morning (January 25):
It gives me great pleasure to join the launch of the Fair Winds Charter 2013. This charter, being the world's first industry-led voluntary fuel switch at berth initiative, demonstrates the shipping industry's corporate commitment to protecting the environment.
The Fair Winds Charter has not only made Hong Kong the pioneer of fuel switching in Asia, but also helped ascertain its practicability and emission benefits. It underscores the shipping industry's resolve to reduce the emissions and environmental impacts generated by their operation. We appreciate very much your leadership.
The Charter is a great success. In 2011, over 3 600 vessels of your fleets had switched fuel, reducing 890 tonnes of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 90 tonnes of respirable suspended particulates (RSP) that would have otherwise been released into the air and affected our environment and health.
The Charter had solid and tangible results. On behalf of our citizens, Hong Kong people, especially those living and working around the container terminal areas, thank you for your contribution to improving air quality for all of us.
Since September 26 last year, the Government responded to your efforts with an incentive scheme to reduce port dues by 50 per cent for ocean-going vessels that switched to low-sulphur fuel at berth.
Like in many other busy ports in the world, the health impacts brought about by marine activities have become a major public concern. In Hong Kong, marine emission has become the top emitter of the three major air pollutants, namely SO2, RSP and nitrogen oxides (NOx) since 2011. To better protect public health we must go the extra mile.
There are five areas we have to work on. First, mandating fuel switch at berth. In his Policy Address 2013, the Chief Executive announced our plan to mandate fuel switch at berth. We will soon consult you and other stakeholders on details. After that we plan to put a bill to LegCo in the next legislative session.
Secondly, onshore power supply. The Policy Address also put forward our plan to install onshore power supply facilities in the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. By hooking up to onshore power, a cruise ship can virtually cut all emissions at berth.
Thirdly, local marine diesel. We will also upgrade the quality of local marine diesel to 0.05 per cent. At present, local and river trade vessels use light diesel with a sulphur content of 0.5 per cent. Doing so will reduce SO2 emission of these vessels by 90 per cent. We have consulted the trade and are now conducting a trial to ascertain the technical feasibility. Subject to the findings, we will draw up the implementation plan.
Fourthly, regional co-operation. Air pollution respects no boundary. Since Hong Kong, Guangdong and Shenzhen share the same air shed, to maximise the environmental benefits we must take a regional approach in controlling marine emission. Doing so can also maintain a level-playing field in the region. We are collaborating with the relevant Mainland authorities to explore jointly introducing control measures in Pearl River Delta waters, fuel switch at berth being the relatively near-term target and establishing an Emission Control Area being the long-term goal.
Last but not the least, appeal to the trade. Friends, I am proud of you as a sector that takes the initiative to go green with joint efforts from the industry. You are role models for other local sectors involved in businesses that have an environmental impact. You are also shining pioneers among your international counterparts. Your efforts are well appreciated by the Government and the community. I will continue to count on your support in our green movement ahead.
Let me close by thanking the shipping industry again for the Fair Winds Charter. We look forward to working with you. Thank you.
Ends/Friday, January 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:36
NNNN
