The Australian Government announced that all cruise ships berthing in Sydney Harbour will be required to burn fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1% or use an alternative method to deliver the same outcome, in an effort to limit sulphur emissions in the nearby vicinity.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will now direct cruise ships at berth to adhere to the new regulations.

“We welcome these valuable visitors, but we also need to regulate the presence of cruise ships to ensure we retain a healthy working harbour,” said Darren Chester, minister for Infrastructure and Transport. “Significant penalties apply for not complying with such directions.”

“I’ve heard the concerns of local residents living close to the White Bay cruise ship terminal in Sydney Harbour about exhaust emissions— today’s announcement will address those issues.”

“Both Carnival Australia and Royal Caribbean, the two major users of the White Bay Cruise Terminal have voluntarily complied with the NSW Government’s 0.1% limit, which is a great outcome,” he added.

AMSA will consult with the cruise ship industry to implement the new rules.