Technology From BASF Makes Hong Kong's Air Cleaner
Hong Kong bus operators award BASF major contract, First commercial use of diesel
particulate filters in Hong Kong buses
BASF is supplying diesel particulate filters for more than 2,500 Hong Kong transit buses, marking the first large-scale commercial use of diesel particulate filters in the city as part of a diesel retrofit program. It also demonstrates BASF Catalysts' continued efforts to promote a cleaner environment for Hong Kong's more than seven million inhabitants.
Beginning in 2008, BASF's DPX(TM) Max filters will be installed on vehicles from Hong Kong'sfourmajor transit bus operators -The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. Ltd.(KMB), CitybusLtd.(CTB), New World First Bus Services Ltd. (NWST) and New Lantao Bus Co. Ltd. (NLB).BASF's DPX technology has been proven on tens of thousands of trucks and buses, and earned the first U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Urban Bus Retrofit certificate.
"We have worked closely with the Environmental Protection Department and the transit bus operators since 2000 when the Hong Kong retrofit program began," saidMr.Frank Ardite, Commercial Director, BASF Catalysts. "We are excited to be chosen to bring the next level of diesel emissions control technology to Hong Kong."
Mr.Kane Shum, Principal Engineer for KMB,and Mr. Paul Li, Head of Operations and Engineering for CTB and NWST, said that they conducted extensive field trials to find the right solution for Hong Kong before choosing BASF's DPX Max filters, which can cut emissions of particulate matter, or soot, by more than 85 percent.
Diesel vehicles are the main cause of street-level air pollution in Hong Kong. As the number of vehicles and miles driven increase in Hong Kong's urban areas, the city's air quality problem has increased. The Hong Kong government has instituted a number of initiatives to combat the problem, including a diesel retrofit program aimed at reducing emissions from existing buses, trucks and vans.
In 2003, BASF Catalysts technology was selected for use in one of the world's largest diesel engine retrofit programs. As a result, today more than 35,000 Hong Kong buses and trucks feature BASF Catalysts' diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs), which significantly reduce carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
Installation of the DPX Max filters is quick and easy. BASF Catalyst's distributor in Hong Kong, Consolidated Parts and Accessories Sales Centre Ltd. (a member of Dah Chong Hong Holdings Ltd.), will supply the filters for the buses and provide maintenance services.
About BASF's Catalyst division
BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environ¬mental and process catalysts. The division offers exceptional expertise in the development of technologies that protect the air we breathe, produce the fuels that power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics, adsorbents and other products.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost Euros58 billion in 2007. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
Media Contact:
Ted Lowen
Global Director, Corporate Communications
732-205-6360
theodore.lowen@basf.com
Company Info:
BASF Catalysts LLC
554 Engelhard Dr.
Seneca, SC 29678
Phone: 864-882-9841, 800-336-8559 (toll free)
Fax: 864-885-1221
http://www.catalysts.basf.com/Main/precious_base_metal_services
Email: (lonni.gustafson@basf.com, rick.clayton@basf.com, frank.ferro@basf.com
