The vessel operators of Seattle’s port have started a program that will reduce emissions of Sulfar Dioxide by at least 80 percent and diesel particulate by 60 percent. This will help Seattle meet its clean-air targets.

The program was unveiled this month. It is called ABC fuels. It involves low sulfur diesel fuel powering auxiliary engines.

Engineers of the plan believe that it reduces emissions when it makes the greatest difference, when ships are in port. When ships are in port they are close to where people live and work.

One of the challenges for implementing the plan is the price difference for low sulfur diesel. This fuel is highly refined and expensive.

Vessels that are participating in the program will use the low sulfur fuel in their engines while docked in Seattle. Seattle’s Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will give the vessels $1500 for each port to help defray the cost of the cleaner fuel. “The financial incentive helps vessel operators make the transition to the cleaner fuels,” says Lutes.

Dennis McLerran, the agency’s executive director, said the program “achieves immediate and significant emission reductions when ships are in port, to the benefit of all who live and breathe in surrounding areas. We hope to see other larger container carriers and cruise lines take advantage of this program.”