Brussels, 11/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - Sulphur pollution from ships will undergo further tightening in all seas of the European Union now that the new rules on limiting sulphur emissions from ships were definitively approved by the European Parliament on Tuesday 11 September in Strasbourg. A large majority of MEPs (606 votes to 55 and 13 abstentions) endorsed the provisional agreement found with Council on the proposal aimed at reducing emissions of sulphur particles from ships (updating of Directive 93/12/CEF), while integrating in EU legislation the norms of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on marine fuels. EU member state permanent representatives (Coreper) had done the same in May this year. Satu Hassi (Greens/EFA, Finland), who is rapporteur in this field, is delighted, saying: “The new rules adopted today represent a major concrete measure for reducing air pollution in Europe and improving public health. Thankfully, the final legislation remains ambitious and in line with the EU's international commitments in spite of intense industry lobbying”. (See EUROPE 10621).
The proposed maximum limits for sulphur content of marine fuels will be lowered in the designated sulphur emission control areas (SECA) from 1.5% to 1% until 31 December 2014 and to 0.1% as of 1 January 2015, affecting the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel. In the rest of the EU waters, the limits will be reduced to 0.5% from 2020, and will apply to all passenger vessels operating outside the SECA. A general ceiling will be imposed to prevent the use of marine diesel if the sulphur content exceeds 3.5% within member states, with an exception being made for fuel used by ships equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems functioning in a closed chamber. Member states must ensure that marine fuels required by these provisions will be available. State aid may be granted to prevent there being an adverse impact on the competitiveness of the sector of investment costs inherent to the new requirements. (AN/transl.jl)