Americas News
2015 ECA Rules Expected to Reduce Port City's Marine Sulfur Dioxide Emissions by 95%
Metro Vancouver says the January 1, 2015 tightening of Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations in North America will bring a 95 percent reduction in marine sulfur dioxide emissions in the Canadian city, compared to levels in 2005.
Speaking to Ship & Bunker recently, a spokesperson for the City said that using data from the BC Chamber of Shipping for 2005, it estimated 397 tonnes of sulfur dioxide came from marine sources.
For 2015 it estimates that will be reduced to about 17 tonnes.
The calculations were based on an average HFO sulfur content in 2005 of 2.54 percent, whereas from January 1, 2015 all vessels operating within the ECA, effectively a 200 nautical mile zone off the U.S. and Canadian coast, must either use a marine fuel with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.10 percent by weight or have an approved equivalent method of compliance.
Local media recently reported that in 2010 almost 80 percent of all sulfur dioxide emissions in the region came from marine sources.
Situated on Canada's West Coast, Vancouver is home Port Metro Vancouver (PMV), which it says is the fourth largest tonnage port in North America.
PMV recently updated its "Eco-Action" incentives program to take into account the new ECA rules.
