HK to promote ULSD among harbor ferries

The Hong Kong government is planning to spend HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) in a trial using ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in five ferries owned by three operators over a nine-month period. Owing to the oil price differences and other costs, including maintenance, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) will apply the HK$10 million to subsidize the ferry operators. Ferries are said to account for 40 to 70% of the maritime air pollutants emitted by domestic vessels in Hong Kong. The EPD aims to promote the use of ULSD in all local vessels. The sulfur content of ULSD amounts to about 1% of the amount found in marine light diesel fuels used by most vessels. (August 26, 2009)