New York encourages environmental friendliness

The ocean-going vessels low sulphur fuel programme will encourage the use of low-sulphur fuel by providing financial incentives to operators of ocean vessels for up to 50% of the cost differential between high and low-sulphur fuel. Vessel operators will absorb the remaining 50% of the differential. Operators also must participate in a vessel speed reduction programme to qualify for this program.

The cargo handling equipment fleet modernisation programme will reimburse participating port tenants for 20% of the cost of replacing existing cargo handling equipment with new equipment that meets federal on-road air-emission standards as applicable, or the most recent federal off-road emissions standards. The tenant will be responsible for the remaining 80% of the cost. Approximately 125 units of cargo-handling equipment are expected to be replaced through this programme.

Approximately US$9m has been authorised to cover the cost of the two programmes — US$6.36m for the ocean-going vessel fuel program and US$2.24m to upgrade cargo-handling equipment.