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The Port of Gothenburg says it has already paid out SEK 2 million (approximately USD 315,000) this year to shipping companies participating its Improved Fuel Quality programme.

According to the port, last year the programme contributed to reducing sulphur emissions by 100 tonnes. During the first six months of 2013 the programme meant that 60 tonnes less sulphur dioxide were emitted in Gothenburg.

The Port of Gothenburg has been a leading promoter of environmental initiatives for several years. Apart from its rail shuttle system Railport Scandinavia and shoreside power supply for vessels at the quayside, it has also been running a programme for a cleaner marine environment since 2011. Ships that use fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1 per cent receive compensation twice a year, subject to a maximum of SEK 125,000 (approximately USD 20,000) for each six-month period.

"The programme is a means of encouraging shipping companies to contribute to cleaner shipping and prepare for the stricter EU Sulphur Directive, which will come into force on January 1, 2015. The reduced sulphur emissions during the first six months of 2013 indicates that the emissions will be even lower than last year," said Anna Jivén, acting Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg.

Shipping companies that use other environmentally friendly fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), will also qualify for financial support.

Environmentally differentiated port charge

By mid-2013, the port says that SEK 2 million had been paid out to shipping firms participating in its Fuel Quality programme. The initiative is financed through its environmentally differentiated port charge, which is a surcharge imposed on ships that use fuel with a sulphur content higher than 0.5 per cent.

Martin Guldhed, Commercial Operations Manager at Stena Oil, regards its participation in the Port of Gothenburg programme as a natural progression.

"Environmental issues and safety are constantly in focus for us. All our ships in the immediate area use marine gas oil. Our customers and suppliers hopefully share our view of the environment, the future and sustainability."

A list of the companies participating in this year's programme has been included below. The list includes marine fuel suppliers Stena Oil, Top Oil and OW Bunker.

Maersk Line – 13 vessels
Thun Tankers – 12 vessels
Stena Oil – 6 vessels
Top Oil – 4 vessels
Scandinavian Shipping – 4 vessels
OW Bunker – 1 vessel

More money available

The programme is set to continue in 2014, which means that more shipping companies will have the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner marine environment in Gothenburg.

If you would like to join the programme, please dowload the application documents via the website address below and send the completed application by email to miljo@portgot.se. Reimbursement cannot exceed the port charges collected during the year.

http://www.portofgothenburg.com/Documents/Milj%c3%b6program/Blankett_ansokan_miljoaterbaring_2013.docx

If you have any further questions about the Improved Fuel Quality programme, please contact Anna Jivén, acting Environmental Manager at the Port of Gothenburg on +46 (0)31 368 75 88.