Members will be aware of the regulation of air emissions from vessels under MARPOL in ECAs, and it is noteworthy that other jurisdictions are also developing separate emission standards. Most recently a new emissions standard has been enacted for Hong Kong. A vessel at berth (Source: Skuld) The development On 11 March 2015, the Environmental Department of Hong Kong Government released details of proposed new LSFO (Low Sulphur Fuel Oil) regulation in Hong Kong waters for ocean-going vessels. The proposed new regulation was submitted to Hong Kong's Legislative Council on 18 March 2015 for approval, will be enforced starting 1 July 2015. The regulation requires OGVs (Ocean Going Vessels) to burn low sulphur marine fuel of sulphur content less than 0.50% while at berth, other than during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure. This practice was introduced as a voluntary standard in September 2012, and now has received the force of law. It was stated by the Environmental Department that if a vessel can use technology to achieve the same or lower emission of SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) as may be emitted from the use of the compliant fuel, then the OGV may be exempted from the switching to such fuel. This is taken to mean that vessels with scrubbers installed that can achieve the same or better emissions, will be able to use these scrubbers for the purpose of compliance with this regulation. A breach of this regulation will attract a penalty of a maximum fine of HK $200,000 and six months imprisonment. A failure to keep adequate records may lead to a fine of HK $ 50,000 and three months imprisonment. The aim of the Regulation is to curb total emissions of SO2 and suspended particle pollution, in an effort to improve the air quality of Hong Kong. Regulatory compliance At present this regulation applies to the following specific situation: for Ocean Going Vessels (OGVs) at berth after the first hour of arrival until before the last hour before departure as