Sulphur oxide emissions in the EU have decreased by approximately 70% since 2014, primarily due to the establishment of an Emission Control Area in Northern Europe.
Cleaner air and water in the Mediterranean Sea are on the horizon as the Mediterranean Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides enters into effect on 1 May.
It will make the Mediterranean Sea the fifth Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides in the world – protected sea areas where stricter controls are in place to minimise air pollution from ships. In the Mediterranean Sea, it means ships will have to use marine fuel with lower sulphur content, down from 0.5% (a global requirement) to a maximum of 0.1%.
Sulphur oxide emissions lead to sea and land acidification and contribute to fine dust, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Reducing these emissions will improve air and water quality, thereby benefiting human and environmental health.
For more information, please see here.