Ships at the Port of Seattle have reduced emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) by at least 80% and diesel particulate matter by 60% through a programme called At-Berth Clean Fuels, according to a port press announcement.

"ABC Fuels reduces emissions where it makes the greatest difference," said Phil Lutes, Deputy Managing Director of the Port's Seaport Division.

"When ships are in port, they're close to where people work and live. Switching to low-sulphur diesel when they're tied up at our piers means cleaner air for our region."

At-Berth Clean Fuels (ABC Fuels) was devised by the Port and shipping lines that call Seattle in order to meet the goals of the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, a joint effort by the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver (Canada) and their private sector partners to reduce maritime related air emissions.

Vessels participating in the scheme agree to use low-sulphur fuel (0.5% or less) in their auxiliary engines while docked in Seattle.  

In exchange, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency provided participating vessels with $1,500 for each port call.

"The financial incentive helps vessel operators make the transition to the cleaner fuels," said Lutes.

So far 37 ships from six container lines and one cruise line are participating in ABC Fuels, representing about 35% of the vessels that make frequent calls at the port.

Participating shipping lines include APL, CMA CGM, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Hapag Lloyd, Maersk Line, Matson Navigation, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

"We have a good verification process," said Lutes.  

"Participants log and show proof of their fuel purchases and fuel use," he said. On-board inspections are conducted by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, said they hope more shipping companies take advantage of the ABC Fuels program.

"We're pleased to support this cooperative effort to voluntarily reduce emissions while promoting strong international solutions - this proactive step will clean the air as we work to protect and grow jobs," said Captain Mike Moore with the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association.

"Matson appreciates the cooperative efforts that have allowed us to participate in this voluntary programme to burn cleaner fuels at dock," commented Lisa Swanson, Director of Environmental Affairs for Matson.

"It is safer and easier to comply with than similar programmes in other jurisdictions," she said.