New Sulphur Directive improves Swedish air quality
On January 1, 2015, the new EU Sulphur Directive came into force for shipping in the English Channel, North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The substantial reduction in the sulphur emission limit has resulted in a significant improvement in air quality in Gothenburg, Sweden. Sulphur emissions from shipping fell by over 70 per cent between 2014 and 2015, with particulate matter emissions falling by 50 per cent, Port of Gothenburg said in its press release.
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.
The Port of Gothenburg have adapted to the Sulphur Directive 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. Something that has been requested by shipping companies.
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.