EMEA News
EC OK's Finnish Incentives for Low-Emissions Technology
The European Commission (EC) has agreed to a Finnish incentive program to encourage the reduction of ship emissions.
The new approval applies to amendments to an existing program approved in 2011, with the new elements promoting adoption of low sulfur emissions in line with the rules going into effect in the European Emissions Control Areas (ECA) in 2015.
The amendments provide funding for the acquisition of new ships or adaptation of old ships to promote stricter environmental standards than those currently in force in the European Union (EU).
The aid will support the adoption of less-polluting ship fuel over the two years until the new standards go into effect.
Finland's Minister of Transport Merja Kyllönen said in September that "rapid action" is needed to help the maritime industry adapt to the low-sulfur rules.
Earlier this month the liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered M/S Viking Grace cruise ship entered service between Finland and Sweden, which the vessel's builder called the "most environmentally friendly large cruise vessel ever built."
