Today, Maersk Line announced its active participation in the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative by committing to switching to low-sulphur fuel in Singapore. The announced fuel switch backs up the port authority's engagement with the shipping line community to reduce carbon and sulphur emissions in Singapore.
"We are pleased with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's initiative to promote sustainable shipping and to support the shipping lines that actively drive environmental performance" says Thomas Riber Knudsen, CEO, Maersk Line Asia Pacific.
Maersk Line signed the Maritime Singapore Green Pledge on April 12, 2011, stating its commitment to safeguarding the Singaporean environment by driving towards cleaner and more fuel efficient shipping services.
"Singapore is at the forefront with sustainable economic development and a role model for a wide industry engagement driving tangible results in our sector. We have enjoyed being part of the process of establishing the Singapore Green Pledge, and we fully support Singapore's environmental ambitions," says Anders Lund Kristensen, Head of Liner Operations, Maersk Line Asia Pacific.
Maersk Line's goal is to drive its operations towards zero sulphur while cutting CO2 by at least 25% per container between 2007 and 2020. Since its first fuel switch in 2006, Maersk Line has advocated for sulphur reductions beyond regulatory requirements, and for establishing a level playing field in partnership with ports, authorities, shipping lines and customers.
"Maersk Line is supporting the Singapore initiative along with other leading shipping lines. We encourage more shipping lines to follow suit. Sulphur emissions represent a health concern which our industry must address actively" says Jacob Sterling, Head of Climate & Environment, Maersk Line, Copenhagen.
As part of the company's global Zero SOx programme, Maersk Line has committed itself to implementing at least ten fuel switch programmes in key ports before 2015.