By Brian Johnson - 28th June 2004
Europe’s environment ministers have agreed drastic cuts to pollution causing emissions from ships sailing in EU waters.
The Monday meeting in Luxembourg gave the go ahead to sweeping cuts in sulphur dioxide levels (SO2) - a by-product of burning marine fuel.
Marine fuel has a sulphur content of five per cent, or 50,000 parts per million, while petrol for use in cars has only around ten parts per million.
EU shipping is now the largest source of SO2, thought to be the main contributor of acid rain.
The ministers agreed a 1.5 per cent sulphur limit for fuel used by all ships in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and English Channel, starting from 2006 in the Baltic Sea, and 2007 elsewhere.
The same limit covers all passenger vessel services plying between EU ports.
Agreement on SO2 limits in fuel burned by ships berthed in EU ports and inland vessels was set at 0.1 per cent, starting in 2010, instead of 2008 as originally proposed by Brussels.
Fast turnaround ferries may be exempt the tighter berthing arrangements, if turnaround is less than two hours.
Brussels chiefs estimate that the expected 500,000 tonne reduction in SO2 will lead to 750 fewer deaths in Europe each year and significantly reduce lake and forest acidification.
A Brussels spokesperson warned however that ship owner’s operating costs could rise by as much as three per cent, to cover the more expensive fuel.
EU environment commissioner, Margot Wallström welcomed the deal, which still has to be approved by the European Parliament.
“The new limits agreed today will dramatically reduce sulphur dioxide emissions in the EU, with reductions targeted to deliver the greatest possible benefits," she said.
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