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In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, the Port of Seattle is highlighting its environmental stewardship with one of its green initiatives, the At-Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels program.

The program encourages carriers to burn low-sulphur fuels (0.5% sulfur or less) in their auxiliary engines while at berth in Seattle by providing an incentive of $2,250 for each call during which ships comply with the fuel requirements. ABC Fuels is a partnership that includes some of the port's ocean carriers and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

The ABC Fuels program began in 2009 and to-date has eliminated more than 96 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emissions. The low-sulphur fuel is said to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 80 percent and diesel particulate matter by 60 percent.

More than 60 vessels from nine carriers participate in the program. Participating carriers include Hapag Lloyd, APL, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Evergreen Line, Hamburg Süd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruise Line.