Seattle Sees Sharp Cut in Sulfur Emissions

Vessel owners participating in a Port of Seattle emissions program have reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by 80 percent and diesel particulate matter emissions by 60 percent so far this year, the port said.

Seattle’s At-Berth Clean Fuels program, which promotes use of low-sulfur fuel in auxiliary engines at berth, has attracted 91 calls since January from 37 vessels that burn fuel with a sulfur content of 0.5 percent or less.

“ABC Fuels reduces emissions where it makes the greatest difference,” said Phil Lutes, deputy marketing director at the port. “When ships are in port, they’re close to where people work and live.”

The Puget Sound Clean Air Agency helps to defray the increased cost of burning low-sulfur fuel by providing shipping lines with a subsidy of $1,500 per vessel call.

Vessels participating in the program represent 35 percent of the ships that call frequently at the port. Their emissions of sulfur dioxide at the port have declined by 20 tons since January.