World News
Study Details "Significant Reductions in Tanker Air Pollution" from New ECA Rules
The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council in Alaska, U.S. says a new report it commissioned shows that the latest Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations have "substantially reduced" particulate matter and sulfur dioxide (SOx) emissions, while nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have been "somewhat reduced."
The study is said to have evaluated air pollution from tankers voyaging through Prince William Sound during 2014, and estimated the amount of emissions that would have been released had the vessels been burning fuel with a 2.7, 1.0, or 0.1 percent sulfur content - those being the global sulfur average for bunker fuel outside of ECAs, the ECA sulfur limit for bunkers prior to January 1, 2015, and the current ECA sulfur limit for bunkers, respectively.
The council says that, compared to 2.7 percent sulfur fuel, tankers' use of 0.1 percent sulfur fuel has reduced SOx emissions by about 426 tonnes, or 96 percent, particulate matter by 33 tonnes, or 80 percent, and NOx by 29 tonnes, or 6 percent.
"These significant reductions in tanker air pollution in Prince William Sound are attributable to regulations, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), that target three air pollutants: nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide," said the council.
"Air quality in Prince William Sound is better today because international regulations have resulted in crude oil tankers emitting far less air pollution than they were just a few years ago."
The council noted that the study did not quantify the possible positive impacts on human and environmental health or effects on local air quality from the emission reductions.
In September, Ship & Bunker reported that container carriers were accelerating newbuild orders as they race to beat a January 1, 2016 deadline that will impose stricter NOx emission requirements on ships travelling in the North American ECA.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 510.00 | 2.50 | 611.00 | 4.00 |
| Rotterdam | 477.00 | 1.00 | 618.50 | 4.00 |
| Houston | 469.50 | 0.50 | 610.00 | 2.00 |
| Fujairah | 501.50 | 1.50 | 708.50 | 3.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 532.00 | 2.00 | 711.50 | 0.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 489.50 | 0.50 | 637.00 | 0.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 571.00 | 1.00 | 759.00 | 0.50 |
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