At-Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels Incentive Program

Shipping companies are finding it's easy as ABC-- and financially viable too --to reduce diesel emissions while docked at Port of Seattle piers. The At-Berth Clean (ABC) Fuels Incentive Program encourages shipping lines to burn low sulfur fuel rather than bunker fuel in their auxiliary engines while at berth at the Port of Seattle. Low sulfur fuel emits significantly less pollution than bunker fuel -- but costs more. That's why the Port of Seattle is offering an incentive to participating shipping lines to help off-set the higher cost of the cleaner-burning fuel.

Administered by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, ABC Fuels reimburses shipping and cruise lines based on the volume of low sulfur fuel burned during each port call.

The ABC Fuels Incentive Program launched in 2009 and is one component of the Port of Seattle's approach to meeting performance measures set forth in the 2010 Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.  That performance measure requires ocean-going vessels to reduce their use of distillate fuels with high-sulfur content while in port. The 2005 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory estimated that ships generate 4,229 tons of sulfur dioxide, 209 tons of fine-particulate matter and 131 tons of diesel-particulate matter annually while in port. The lower-sulfur fuel reduces these harmful emissions.

The program is expected to continue through June 30, 2013, subject to the availability of funds from the Port of Seattle. To participate in the ABC Fuels Incentive program, carriers must complete annual enrollment forms and submit reimbursement requests documenting the type and amount of fuel used while in port.