Maritime emissions down 40% in U.S. North West
Maritime-related emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Puget Sound on the U.S. West Coast dropped 40 percent between 2005 and 2011, while other types of emissions were reduced by as much as 16 percent, according to a new report.
The Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory found that investments in cleaner technology, cleaner fuels, and more efficient operations systems have resulted in a 14 percent reduction of nitrous oxides and sulfur oxides, a 5 percent drop in carbon dioxide, and a 16 percent drop in particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (MP2.5), and diesel particulate matter.
The report, commissioned by a voluntary association of maritime organisations and environmental and health groups, found that ocean-going vessels reduced their emissions by 16 percent.
Harbor vessels, including ferries, tugs, fishing and recreational boats saw a 7 percent increase in emissions, probably due to a 13 percent increase in boat traffic and the use of larger engines, it said.
Port vehicle emissions fell most significantly, with pollution dropping 47 percent for fleet vehicles, 52 percent for heavy-duty vehicles, and 40 percent for cargo-handling equipment, while locomotives achieved a 24 percent reduction.
The report found that voluntary initiatives including the use of low-sulfur or biodiesel fuels, shore power, and the use of more efficient engines and equipment, combined with new mandatory engine and fuel standards, have led to much of the improvement.
The sluggish economy also made a contribution as less cargo was shipped and fewer ships visited the area.
As the study ended before the introduction of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) that went into effect on August 1, 2012, its effect was not taken into account but was expected to result in further reductions.
The organisations involved in the Puget Sound report said they will focus particular attention on pollution from ships in the near future, since, although they have reduce their total emissions, vessels account for 63 percent of maritime-related diesel particulate matter emissions.
