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Written question asked by Steve Double (Conservative) on Monday, 5 November 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 November 2018. It was answered by Nusrat Ghani (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 November 2018 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to (a) assess and (b) mitigate the risks that scrubber technology and its waste pose to the UK's coastal areas and marine ecosystem.

Answer

The Government has not seen evidence that the use of scrubbing technology would have a significant effect on the marine environment.

All scrubbers must comply with mandatory Guidelines, which were developed by the International Maritime Organization, before they are allowed to become operational. Any wash water discharges are controlled under these IMO Guidelines.

We have asked for more evidence from ship owners and industry associations about the content of wash water, and there are a number of ongoing industry-led studies on the issue. At this stage, we are not aware of any significant issues which have been found, but we will seek further amendments to the IMO Guidelines if it becomes clear that additional controls are needed.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
188168
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Coastal areas Environment protection Exhaust emissions Shipping Technology Seas and oceans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk