Cruise ships have been banned from docking overnight at Sydney’s White Bay Terminal, until new lower sulphur fuel regulations come into effect.
The temporary ban has been welcomed by local residents who have long lobbied for the installation of ship to shore-based power at the terminal.
The ban will be in force at least until July 1, 2016 when new rules will require ships to use fuel with sulphur content of 0.10 percent or less.
"In addition, the Government is on target to have an interim low sulphur regulation in place for the start of the next cruise season for cruise ships berthing in Sydney," said Mark Speakman, New South Wales Environment Minister.
The mayor of Leichhardt Council is also pushing for immediate action to establish ship to shore power to reduce noise and air pollution.
"The temporary suspension and the anticipated regulation of sulphur fuel, which needs to happen urgently, are both welcome steps, however, ship to shore-based power must be retrofitted as soon as possible and noise mitigation addressed," said Rochelle Porteous.
In February a parliamentary committee recommended shore power be installed at the White Bay Cruise Terminal following a flood of complaints from local residents.
