The new EU Sulphur Directive came into force on January 1, 2015, for shipping in the English Channel, North Sea and the Baltic Sea.There has been a huge improvement in air quality in Gothenburg, Sweden due to the substantial reduction in the sulphur emission limit. Sulphur emissions from shipping fell by over 70 per cent between 2014 and 2015, with particulate matter emissions falling by 50 per cent.
Mr. Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg chief executive mentioned that this is very positive, not only for the environment but also for people’s health. Sulphur emissions are a major problem globally in shipping and this clearly demonstrates that the Directive has made a genuine difference in our immediate area. According to figures produced by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, sulphur emissions in the Gothenburg area deriving from shipping fell from 330 tonnes in 2014 to 91 tonnes in 2015, a fall of more than 70 per cent. Particulate matter emissions were halved, from 22 tonnes to 11 tonnes, during the same period.
Emission limits are concidered to be more generous outside Northern Europe, where cheaper marine fuels, with a higher sulphur content, continue to be used.
Mr.Magnus Kårestedt said:
“It’s unfortunate that our low limits have not been imposed globally. Swedish base industries, which make extensive use of shipping, have found it more difficult to compete on price.”
The Port of Gothenburg introducines a whole host of models. Bunkering solutions for alternative fuels, such as LNG and methanol, are already in place, alongside a dedicated pipeline for low-sulphur fuel. A so called “Sniffer” has been installed at the entrance of the port.
“Generally we are already well equipped in northern Europe to meet the future – we have a head start on the rest of Europe and the world in this area. This will present advantages when the limits are reduced throughout the rest of Europe in less than four years’ time, even if they will not come down to our levels,” Magnus Kårestedt ended.
Fact file
The Sulphur Directive means that the maximum sulphur content in marine fuel used in the waters around northern Europe has been set at just 0.1 per cent. Throughout most of the world the current level is 3.5 per cent. From 2020, the limit will be reduced to 0.5 per cent throughout the rest of the EU and in 2025 it will be 0.5 per cent worldwide. The Directive is the result of work undertaken by the International Maritime Organisation, IMO.
Sources: Port of Gothenburg
