Controlling emissions

The marine sector is only now starting to come into line with other industries in adopting controls on diesel engine emissions.

Considering the scale and efficiency with which it effects a vast interchange of raw materials and goods, the shipping industry`s contribution to atmospheric pollution on a freight tonne-mile basis is modest relative to other modes.

However, the aggregate, absolute values of potentially harmful emissions attributable to seaborne trading activity are substantial. A regulatory momentum is building up which will impact to a greater or lesser extent on every area of operations over time. The new Annex VI requirements built into Marpol 73/78 undoubtedly constitute just the opening stage in a system of ever-wider and tougher limits on marine exhaust emissions.

The response of the shipping and allied industries to the new expectations is expressed in the various controls. The manner of its participation in the regulatory process will no doubt have a bearing on the shape and extent of future jurisdiction over shipping.