German Maritime LNG Platform joins group calling for Arctic HFO ban

Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of international non-governmental organisations that launched the Arctic Commitment in January 2017, said: “The Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes the German Maritime LNG Platform as a signatory of the Arctic Commitment. The LNG Platform joins a growing international movement calling for a ban on the use of HFO by ships in the Arctic’s pristine and fragile environment.

“By switching to less-polluting alternatives to HFO, such as LNG, the shipping industry has a real opportunity to lead the path away from the use of heavy fuel oil and towards a sustainable future, before a ban is considered by the IMO.

“With this July’s meeting of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee fast approaching, it’s time for companies and governments to support decisive action to clean up Arctic shipping. The Platform’s support comes at a crucial time for us”.

The Managing Director of the Platform, Tessa Rodewaldt, added: “We’re delighted to support the Arctic Commitment and throw our weight behind the international campaign to ban the use of HFO as a shipping fuel in the Arctic region. Shipping needs to become more sustainable and international regulation on shipping emissions is increasing, for the better. Such regulations must also apply to the Arctic region, which is particularly fragile. By using LNG, emissions can be substantially reduced, which lowers the impact of shipping on the natural environment of the Arctic region.”

The Clean Arctic Alliance is an international coalition consisting of various non-governmental groups calling for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ban HFO in Arctic shipping. The Alliance’s German partner is the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU).

The German Maritime LNG Platform, meanwhile, is an interest coalition, consisting of almost 100 members and partners from the maritime sector both in Germany and abroad. Its goal is to create a cleaner and more sustainable shipping sector by utilising LNG.