ECASBA warns on impact of EU low sulphur directive

ECASBA has written to senior European policy makers warning that applying a limit of 0.1% sulphur in fuels aboard ships within designated Emissions Fuel Control Areas will actually lead to higher emissions from transport as European shippers will inevitably choose cheaper road transport options over short sea shipping.

ECASBA has called on the European Commission to:

  • Bring the Directive proposals back to ensure compliance in all respects with those applicable under IMO MARPOL Annex VI
  • To provide support, and adequate time, to the shipping industry to enable it to develop the technologies and make the modifications necessary to ensure compliance with the MARPOL requirements. The Mitigation Toolbox is a start but as initially proposed is too limited in scope and too generic to achieve the desired effects and
  • To urgently undertake a full impact assessment of the measures proposed in both MARPOL Annex VI and the amended 1999/32/EC proposals.

Click here to download ECASBA’s policy paper.