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Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Answer

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), or ’scrubbers’ as they are commonly known, are an internationally recognised technology which ships can use to comply with sulphur limits, providing an alternative to using low sulphur marine fuel. The systems are subject to controls at an international level through the adopted International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines, which are mandatory.

The Guidelines ensure sulphur dioxide emissions from scrubbers are equivalent or better than would be obtained from using compliant fuel. They also address water quality and environmental impacts, in order to mitigate risks to the marine environment.

The Department and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, played an active role in the development of the Guidelines at both European and international level with input from the Marine Management Organisation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, system manufacturers, as well as approval organisations and industry stakeholders.

Ships’ installed scrubbers must be approved in accordance with the Guidelines before operating in UK waters.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

183437

Session

2017-19

Subjects

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Exhaust emissions Shipping Technology Seas and oceans Maritime and Coastguard Agency Marine Management Organisation

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk