Maersk Line says it will be introducing a new low sulphur surcharge (LSS) to help offset additional costs incurred by switching to cleaner fuels in Emission Control Areas (ECAs), required by the new regulation coming into effect in January 2015.
Jacob Sterling, Head of Product and Charge Management told The Motorship that Maersk Line estimates that the cost of switching to low-sulphur fuels will be around US$200m.
“We have therefore decided to implement a low sulphur surcharge for cargo transported in Emission Control Areas. This way we pass on the additional costs for providing shipping services in the ECA areas to those customers benefiting from the services.”
Mr Sterling pointed out that Maersk Line has evaluated other potential ways to comply with the ECA regulation, including scrubbers and LNG, but the operator has found that switching to low-sulphur fuel is the most cost-effective option in the short term.
He added: “The implementation of ECAs is a regulatory initiative with a strong positive environmental impact if the regulation is well enforced. Maersk Line will continue to focus on improving our energy efficiency and reducing our CO2 emissions. In the context of the ECA regulation, this will also help reduce our demand for the more expensive low-sulphur fuels.”
The operator is one of six global shipping companies participating in a new trial incentive programme in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of California which involves slowing cargo ships down, also called slow steaming, to help reduce air pollution.
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Maersk imposes low sulphur surcharge
Date of publication: 01.10.2014