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Written question asked by Steve Double (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 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 representations the Government has made to the International Maritime Organisation on impact assessments for the large-scale use of scrubbers on marine environments and ecosystems.

Answer

The Department and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, played an active role in the development of the Guidelines for the use of scrubbing technology at both European and international level. Ships’ installed scrubbers must be approved in accordance with the Guidelines before operating in UK waters.

Along with other European States, we recognise that more ship owners are installing these systems in order to comply with the 0.5% sulphur cap, and that large numbers of ships using scrubbers in enclosed waters might have an impact on local water quality. This is why 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 studies being undertaken by the industry 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
188873
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Environment protection Exhaust emissions Shipping Technology Seas and oceans International Maritime Organization Impact assessments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk