MEPC blitz emissions

The 42nd session of the MEPC has approved a study of greenhouse gas emissions from merchant shipping. A preliminary report expected for the next MEPC meeting in spring 1999.

The study will look at emissions from merchant shipping, and possibilities for reducing the production of greenhouse gasses with. Areas covered will include which short and long term greenhouse gas reduction strategies are most feasible through current technologies or market approaches.

Short term reduction measures such as improved weather and current routing, better propeller maintenance and slow steaming will be examined. For the longer term, the study will investigate new hull propulsive systems, improved propeller designs, supplementary propulsion systems, alternative fuels, and other such technical operations.

It will also look at the interrelationship between the various pollutants, CO2, NOx, particulate matter and hydrocarbons, to see if reducing NOx and hydrocarbons would also reduce CO2. A comparison of emissions from various modes of transport per tonne/mile will be included.