World News
Study Confirms Negative Health Impacts of Shipping Emissions, Says Environmental Group
A new study has shown that unfiltered vessel emissions generated from heavy fuel oil (HFO) can cause serious lung and heart diseases, German nature conservation society NABU has said in an emailed statement.
The study, conducted by the University of Rostock and research centre Helmholtz Zentrum München, reports that HFO emissions contain high concentrations of carcinogenic substances such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons.
The study also goes on to recommend usage of low-sulfur fuel together with a diesel particulate filter, a solution which NABU CEO Leif Miller described as "remarkable."
"This technique is standard on shore and has considerably reduced the burden for human health," he said.
"Lukewarm solutions such as scrubbers or efficiency measures are not enough to protect humans and the environment."
NABU added that it is also urging the industry to "switch to low sulfur fuels together with effective emission abatement techniques."
Diesel soot was classified as a carcinogen by the The World Health Organisation (WHO) back in 2013, it noted.
Health concerns about ship emissions have also been the driver behind recent proposals for low-sulfur regulations in Australia.
Last week, it was reported that New South Wales was inviting feedback on the new rules.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 512.00 | 2.00 | 621.00 | 10.00 |
| Rotterdam | 479.00 | 2.00 | 623.50 | 5.00 |
| Houston | 480.50 | 11.00 | 627.50 | 17.50 |
| Fujairah | 502.50 | 1.00 | 711.50 | 3.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 532.50 | 0.50 | 715.50 | 4.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 493.50 | 4.00 | 646.00 | 9.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 570.50 | 0.50 | 761.00 | 2.00 |
Popular Now More
-
Jun 10Klean Industries' Mark VandeVoorde believes Tyre Pyrolysis Oil is one such product thanks to the way it is classified under the EU's RED III rules. -
Jun 09The firm already supplies bunker fuels at key East Coast ports, including New York, New Jersey Philadelphia and Baltimore. -
Jun 09The move comes as shipping firms adjust to the new 0.1% sulfur limit now enforced across the Mediterranean Sea.