Shipping fuels should be subject to stricter sulphur limits to protect public health and the environment, according to MEPs voting on draft legislation in the European Parliament’s (EP) Environment Committee last week. Maritime emissions cause an estimated 50,000 premature deaths in the EU each year. The Royal Dutch Shipowners Association (KVNR) has expressed concerns about the new plans.
‘The vote brings us a step closer to tougher EU rules on sulphur pollution from ships. Highly polluting shipping fuels have a serious impact on the environment but also on public health,’ said Satu Hassi (Greens/EFA, Finland) after her legislative report was adopted with 48 votes in favour, 15 against and 0 abstentions.
Air Quality
Shipping emissions are a recognised hazard to the environment and public health, with respiratory diseases and acid rain among the negative impacts. Maritime sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are projected to overtake emissions from land-based sources by the end of this decade. The Commission estimates stricter sulphur limits would save €15 – 32 billion thanks to improved health.
New Sulphur Limits
The legislative update should go further than new sulphur standards agreed at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 2008, recommends the committee. The current sulphur limit of 3.5%, in force in European seas since 1 January 2012, should be cut to 0.5% by 2015 and to 0.1% by 2020. Fuels used in coastal waters (within 12 nautical miles) should not exceed 0.1% sulphur by 2015.
SECAs
Tougher rules already apply in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and the English Channel – the EU’s sulphur emission control areas (SECAs). Limits should be further tightened in line with international standards: from 1.5% to 0.1% by 2015. The Commission should assist with the groundwork towards designating new SECAs in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and Black Sea, say MEPs.
Lower Sulphur Fuels or Abatement Equipment
To comply, shipping operators should use lower sulphur fuels or install technical ‘abatement’ equipment, such as scrubbers, which achieve equivalent results. Authorities should be allowed to detain and fine ships in breach of the rules.
The committee vote opens the possibility of negotiations with Council ahead of a plenary vote in Parliament (provisionally scheduled for 22-24 May).
KVNR Worried about Disrupting Competition
The KVNR fears the new amendments may undermine IMO’s position as the global regulatory organisation. Regional legislation may disrupt competition, says the KVNR. In addition, the organisation points out no research has been conducted into the effects of stricter sulphur limits.
Shift to Road Transport?
The new regulations may only have adverse effects on public health and the environment as it could lead to shippers choosing transport by road instead of sea transport, the KVNR fears. Low sulphur fuels are 40 % more expensive than regular fuels. The new regulations will increase demand for the already limited supply of low sulphur fuels thereby driving prices up further, making transport by road an attractive alternative.
