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APL, one of the world's largest container shipping lines, is reported to have embarked on a voluntary policy for its vessels to begin switching to low sulphur fuels when calling at the US ports of New York and New Jersey.

The decision means that APL vessels at berth in New York and New Jersey will convert to low sulphur fuel in auxiliary generators that power shipboard electrical systems.

The announcement comes only two weeks after the firm announced that it would begin using cleaner-burning fuels in its 85 ships calling at the port of Hong Kong every week. The move is expected to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions from APL ships at the East Asian port by 87 percent.

Since 2007, APL has used low-sulphur in ships calling at the ports of Los Angeles and Seattle. As with Hong Kong and New York, the switch to cleaner fuel at those locations was also voluntary.

The decision to switch to low sulphur fuels in the aforementioned ports follows the recent approval of the North American ECA (Emissions Control Area), which was adopted in March 2010, with expected entry into force in August 2011.

The limits applicable in sulphur ECAs were reduced to 1.00% on 1st July 2010, from the previous 1.50%, and will be further reduced to 0.10% effective from 1st January 2015.

Other APL measures to curb vessel air emissions include:

* Slow steaming: APL started slow-steaming in 2009. Reducing the speed of a vessel has helped to reduce fuel consumption. Adding extra vessels has enabled APL to reduce vessel speed while maintaining weekly schedules.

* Emulsified fuel: APL is testing new technology in which a combination of water and fuel is used in the main and auxiliary engines. This system is expected to provide fuel savings and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

* Vessel speed reduction program: APL participates in a voluntary speed reduction program for vessels in Southern California waters. Reducing vessel speed helps to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

* Biodiesel fuel: At the Port of Seattle, Washington, APL uses a biodiesel blend in yard tractors and mobile container handling equipment. This blend of low sulphur and biodiesel fuel reduces particulate matter emissions.

* Cold ironing: In July 2010, APL completed the retrofit of five vessels for cold ironing at the US port of Oakland, California. The clean air practice, which involves switching off a vessel’s diesel generators in order to use cleaner, shore-based electrical power, will be introduced next winter at APL’s marine terminal in Oakland. APL will become the first and only carrier or terminal operator at Oakland to cold iron ships.

For full details regarding APL's environmental policies, please visit the company's recently-launched website: http://www.apl.com/environment/