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Hong Kong public policy think tank, Civic Exchange, says that it welcomes the new mandatory at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels (OGVs), which has been approved by the Legislative Council today.

The regulation, which requires OGVs to switch to cleaner marine fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.5 percent while at berth, will be effective from 1 July 2015.

Commenting on the news in an email today, Civic Exchange said: "This Regulation is a major policy breakthrough in addressing the problem of air pollution contributed by all vessels, which accounted for 50 percent of sulphur dioxide (SO2), 32 percent of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 37 percent of particulate matter (PM10) emissions in Hong Kong according to the latest emission inventory compiled by the Environmental Protection Department. With the Regulation, OGVs will be required by law to switch from high-sulphur bunker fuel (2.6 per cent sulphur content on average) to cleaner fuel at berth. As a result, it is estimated that total SO2 and PM10 emissions in Hong Kong will be cut by 12 percent and 6 percent, respectively; while at-berth SO2 and PM10 emissions will be lowered by 70-80 percent immediately."

The think tank added: "Civic Exchange congratulates the HKSAR Government for taking the right step to control ship emissions, as this is an important government policy intervention that will result in quick and substantial reduction of air pollution from the biggest local emission source located right in the heart of our city and close to millions of residents.

"Civic Exchange also wants to commend the shipping industry for their vision and commitment demonstrated through the Fair Winds Charter since 2011."