The Danish Maritime Authority announced the launch of a large drone, that will be used to check emissions from vessels operating in Danish waters to make sure they comply with the sulphur limit. The European Maritime Safety Agency is providing the drone, aiming to prevent ship pollution.
Specifically, the drone is commonly called ‘sniffer’ and is able to measure the vessels’ sulphur emissions.
Mainly, entering the ship’s exhaust gas plume, the drone can register the amount of sulphur in the fuel. These data are immediately sent and available to Danish authorities, who can follow up if a ship does not comply with the requirements.
The drone plays a crucial role to a more efficient implementation of the sulphur regulations. In the meantime, it ensures fair competition for shipping companies and less pollution from ships.
The drone is to operate in an area north of The Great Belt, where many large tankers pass when going to and from the Baltic Sea. Also in April 11, the drone performed its first sulphur mission in the area.
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for enforcing the sulphur rules, and the Danish Maritime Authority supports this work through ship inspections in Danish ports and now also with drone monitoring.
