APL, the world's fifth-largest container shipping line, has volunteered to clear the air over Hong Kong. The carrier said today it will begin using cleaner-burning fuel in its 85 ships calling here weekly.

APL said the decision to use low-sulfur fuel will cut sulfur dioxide emissions from ships at port by 87%.' Sulfur dioxide is a component of acid rain.

'We have a large presence in Hong Kong and with that comes the responsibility to be a good corporate citizen,' said George Goldman, Vice President and Managing Director for APL in Hong Kong and South China. 'We're taking this step unilaterally to make the point that global trade growth and environmental health are not mutually exclusive goals.''

APL vessels at berth will convert to low-sulfur fuel in auxiliary generators that power shipboard electrical systems.' It's more expensive than the diesel fuel typically burned, but better for the environment.

APL will begin converting vessels to the new fuel this month. Since 2007, APL has used low-sulfur in ships calling at the Ports of Los Angeles and Seattle.' As with Hong Kong, the switch to cleaner fuel at those locations was also voluntary.