Policy Background:
In November 2002, the European Commission adopted a European Union strategy to reduce atmospheric emissions from seagoing ships. In the strategy it lists a number of options for reducing ship emissions in EU waters.

The revision of directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of maritime fuels offers the most important chance to cut SO2 emissions from ships. Furthermore differentiated charges should be introduced for all vessels in EU waters, preferably relating not only to the sulphur content in fuel and technology to reduce NOx emissions, but also the distance travelled. Because methods of charging shipping vary, it would be useful to adopt an EU-directive that makes all member states as well as candidate countries introduce charges. Charges should be related to the amounts of pollutants emitted by ships in order to make it financially worthwhile - at least for ships that regularly frequent the area - to change over to the use of low sulphur fuels and to invest in techniques needed to ensure a distinct reduction of NOx emissions.

Globally, the implementation of the Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention, is important. Under Annex VI of this convention, certain sea areas can be defined as Sensitive Emission Control Areas (SECAs), where low-sulphur fuel is obligatory for all ships passing through these waters. All EU member states that have not ratified MARPOL Annex VI should do so as a matter of urgency. Then EU Member States should work to strengthen the standards for SECAs and more SECAs should be declared.

EEB’s Response:
The EEB welcomes the Commission’s intention to introduce measures combating emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) from sea going ships. With its shipping campaign the EEB aims at achieving EU legislation, which will result in substantive cuts from ship emissions in order to achieve better air and environmental quality. Further information can be found in our briefing Air Pollution from Ships.