World Bunkering > News > Industry News > MOL join NY&NJ low sulphur scheme

Japanese shipping group Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) says that it has voluntarily enrolled two of its vessels, the MOL Endowment and MOL Experience, in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Ocean Going Vessel Low Sulfur Fuel Program.

MOL says it is one of the first ocean carriers to enrol in the scheme and it is the first of the Japanese carriers to do so. Under the scheme the port will reimburse vessel operators for 50% of the cost difference between using 0.2% MGO or MDO IFO 380  in their main engines while operating within 20 nautical miles of the Port of NY & NJ. The Program will also reimburse vessel operators for 50% of the cost difference between using Low Sulfur Marine Fuel and IFO 380 in their auxiliary engines while at a Port Authority marine terminal facility berth. The cost differential for reimbursement will be based on the published fuel cost quarterly averages between the two fuels.

MOL says that although it will incur an incremental cost as a result of using the more expensive Low Sulfur Marine Fuel instead of Intermediate Fuel Oil 380, the company determined the program is worth the investment.

"MOL saw the program as an opportunity to maintain our commitment as a responsible corporate citizen and to increase efforts in implementing our environmental policy," said Toshiya Konishi, Chief Operating Officer, MOL Liner. "MOL is committed to protecting the health of our marine/global environment and we seek to reduce the burden on the environment by setting and achieving tough voluntary environmental standards. We offer our thanks to the Port Authority for establishing the Low Sulfur Fuel program."

The Port of NY&NJ’s scheme is one of a number coming in place at US ports  but will be superseded in 2014 by the coming into force of the North American Emissions Control Area.