Maersk to use low-sulphur fuel in NZ

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Maersk Line ships will switch to low-sulphur fuel when in New Zealand ports to cut pollution in cities.

The shipping line says the switch lowers sulphur oxide levels in their exhaust gases by more than 80 per cent.

Maersk's New Zealand managing director, Julian Bevis, said marine fuels were higher in sulphur content that those used on land and while the industry as a whole was examining ways to reduce total emissions, switching to low-sulphur fuels in port was a way of improving the environmental performance of the fleet and improving air quality in and around New Zealand's ports.

The company has already begun similar initiatives in Hong Kong, Europe and several North American ports.