Hoorzitting – 9 juni 2009 Verslag - Deurganckdoksluis

‐ review technology and the need for a reduction of SOx emissions and justify and recommend
future limits for SOx emissions;
‐ consider the need, justification and possibility of controlling volatile organic compounds
emissions from cargoes;
‐ with a view to controlling emissions of particulate matter (PM), study current emission levels of
PM from marine engines, including their size distribution and quantity, and recommend actions
to be taken for the reduction of PM from ships. Since reduction of NOx and SOx emission is
expected to also reduce PM emission, estimate the level of PM emission reduction through this
route;
‐ consider reducing NOx and PM emission limits for existing engines;
‐ consider whether Annex VI emission reductions or limitations should be extended to include
diesel engines that use alternative fuels and engine systems/power plants other than diesel
engines; and
‐ review the texts of Annex VI, NOx Technical Code and related guidelines and recommend
necessary amendments.
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, of 20
November 2002, "A European Union strategy to reduce atmospheric emissions from seagoing
ships" [COM (2002) 595 final, Volume I ‐ Not published in the Official Journal].
SUMMARY
The strategy includes the above communication and a Directive on the sulphur content of marine
fuels (see Related acts below).
Impact on environment and health
Emissions from seagoing ships include air pollutants, greenhouse gases and ozone‐depleting
substances entailing risks for human health and the environment. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emissions from ships are responsible for acid deposition, which can be harmful to the
environment, as well as particulate matter harmful to health. NOx and volatile organic compound
(VOC) emissions contribute to the formation of ground‐level ozone harmful to health and to the
environment. NOx emissions contribute to environmentally damaging eutrophication. Carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions contribute to climate change. Halon emissions damage the ozone layer.
The communication contains a table showing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases from
ships in Community waters in 2000 as well as projected emissions for 2010 and their environmental
impact. Other figures show ships' SO2 emissions in EU sea areas, the contributions of ships' SO2 and
NOx emissions to critical loads of acidity being exceeded, the role of NOx and COV emissions in the
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