The Port of Gothenburg has hailed the EU Sulphur Directive as a great success with large reductions in sulphur emissions and particulate matter from shipping observed.
The port has reported a 70% reduction in sulphur emissions and 50% reduction in particulate matter in 2015 as compared to the 2014, since its introduction on 1st January 2015, according to figures produced by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.
This is very positive, not only for the environment but also for people’s health. This clearly demonstrates that the Directive has made a genuine difference,” said Magnus Kårestedt, Port of Gothenburg Chief Executive.
There was vocalisation by the port however that regional regulations can be anti- competitive.
The port say that Emission limits are ‘regrettably’ far more generous outside Northern Europe, with cheaper higher sulphur content fuels in use.
“It’s unfortunate that our low limits have not been imposed globally. Swedish based industries, which make extensive use of shipping, have found it more difficult to compete on price.” continued Kårestedt.
Practical Measures in the Port
The Port of Gothenburg say that they have adapted to the regulations by introducing 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. This ‘artificial nose’ monitors ship emissions to check that they are complying with the regulations.
Fact file
The EU Sulphur Directive is a replica of MARPOL Annex VI provisions but has an additional provision requiring ships to use fuel with a sulphur content of maximum 0.10% when “at berth” (including at anchor) in the EU ports.
As of 1st January 2015, this provision became obsolete in the EU ports located in the Baltic Sea and North Sea but it will continue to be applicable in EU ports located outside Emission Control Areas.
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