Hong Kong: OOCL has announced its participation in the Fair Winds Charter, a voluntary shipping industry initiative that has been facilitated by the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, Hong Kong Shipowners' Association, and Civic Exchange (a Hong Kong-based independent think tank).
OOCL vessels will switch to 0.5 percent or less sulphur fuel in the auxiliary engines of its vessels while at berth in Hong Kong from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2012.
"As a Hong Kong-based container shipping company, we believe this voluntary initiative conveys our absolute dedication and commitment to cleaning up the air in Hong Kong," said OOCL Director of Corporate Planning, Stephen Ng.
"With around 1,000 vessel calls in Hong Kong every year, we estimate this action will lower harmful sulphur emissions by more than 80 percent."
This voluntary initiative is the latest environmental achievement for OOCL in 2010.
OOCL's parent company Orient Overseas (International) was admitted as a constituent member of the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index in July 2010, and OOCL launched its Carbon Calculator in April 2010.
OOCL also participates in various voluntary initiatives in North America, including 100 percent full compliance with the Port of Long Beach Green Flag Voluntary Speed Reduction Programme, and 100 percent compliance with the Port of Los Angeles Vessel Speed Reduction programme. Since 2008, OOCL also voluntarily slow steams and avoids the migration paths of the North Atlantic Right Whales.
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