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The Environment Bureau and Environmental Protection Department (EPD) welcome the shipping industry's announcement of extending the Fair Winds Charter (FWC) for another year up to the end of 2014.
The FWC is a pioneering move for ocean going vessels to voluntarily switch to low-sulphur fuel while at berth in Hong Kong. Initiated by the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association and Hong Kong Shipowners Association, with the support of leading carriers and cruise liners, the FWC demonstrates the industry's corporate responsibility and strong commitment to improving air quality.
"We are grateful to leaders in the shipping industry to have worked alongside the government since 2010 to launch and sustain the FWC," said the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing.
Since its formal start in January 2011, the FWC has attracted extensive attention not only at home but also overseas. The FWC has set an example of industry initiating a green move, fostering an industry-government collaboration which eventually turns a green notion to policy.
The extended FWC would dovetail with a new regulation being prepared by the EPD to mandate fuel switch at berth in 2015. The EPD will continue to work closely with the shipping industry in greening the Hong Kong port and promoting marine emission control measures in the Pearl River Delta Region.
Ends/Friday, February 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:16
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