Jun.07--On July 1, Singapore’s Green Ship Program will be expanded to recognize Singapore-flag ships that adopt approved sulfur oxide scrubber technology that goes beyond existing International Maritime organization’s emissions requirements.

The expansion of the program, part of the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative, was announced by the nation’s minister for transport at the Singapore International Maritime Awards 2013.

Singapore-flag ships with such approved sulfur oxide technology will be eligible for a 25 percent reduction of their initial registration fees and a 20 percent rebate on their annual tax tonnage, in addition to the 50 percent reduction of initial registration fees and a 20 percent rebate on annual tonnage tax for ships that exceed the IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index.

(Source:JOC)