Changwon Coast Guard Creates Pleasant Harbor Waiting Environment

Inspection of Ship Fuel Oil Sulfur Content and Port Airborne Dust Handling Facilities

Gyeongnam Changwon Maritime Police are inspecting the sulfur content in ship fuel oil and the dust emission at port cargo handling facilities. [Image source=Changwon Maritime Police Station]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Changwon Maritime Police Station in Gyeongnam will conduct inspections on the sulfur content of ship fuel oil and dust generation at cargo handling facilities in ports from January to March 2023.

In line with the government's 4th Seasonal Fine Dust Management Policy, Changwon Maritime Police plans to designate December this year as a guidance period and carry out a comprehensive inspection for three months starting January next year.

According to the Maritime Police, the Seasonal Fine Dust Management Policy is a strengthened emission reduction policy implemented from December to March, when high concentrations of fine dust frequently occur.

Changwon Maritime Police will focus on checking whether the sulfur content in fuel oil used by ships within its jurisdiction complies with the allowable standards and inspect cargo handling facilities that generate dust in ports.

According to the Marine Environment Management Act, the sulfur content standards for ship fuel oil are as follows: ▲For ships engaged in international navigation, regardless of fuel type, 0.5% or less ▲For ships operating only domestically, diesel 0.05% or less, heavy oil 0.5% or less.

Using or loading fuel oil exceeding the sulfur content standards on ships may result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW under the Marine Environment Management Act.

A Changwon Maritime Police official explained, "Busan New Port, including Busan Port, is designated as a sulfur oxide emission control area under the Special Act on Improvement of Air Quality in Port Areas, also known as the Port Air Quality Act," adding, "The sulfur content standard for fuel oil is set at 0.1% or less, which is stricter than the general sea areas."

He continued, "Through this inspection, we will operate a continuous monitoring system for ship air pollutant emissions to help create a pleasant air environment in port areas."