Commission proposes clampdown on ship emissions

In a series of strategy reports, the EU outlines plans to reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide and particulates released from ships. The reports follow two studies on ship traffic and associated emissions with the European Union.

The goal is to limit fuel content to 1.5% sulphur for ships sailing in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and English Channel, with a lower 0.2% sulphur limit for marine fuels used at berth in EU ports and on inland waters. The targets should lead to a 500,000 tonne reduction in SO2 emissions annually across in the EU, and an 8,000 tonne reduction in PM emissions.

Other measures include a push for tougher global engine standards, the development of market mechanisms to promote low-emission shipping and the creation of a new Clean Marine Award Scheme.