Flagged ships in the US will see their harmful emissions dramatically reduced under new engine and fuel standards, it emerged yesterday (23rd December).

The regulations will ensure that annual nitrogen oxide emissions from large oil tankers, cargo ships and cruise vessels will be cut by about 80 per cent to 1.2 million tonnes by 2030.

In addition, the move is likely to lead to an 85 per cent decline (or 143,000 tonnes) in damaging particulate emissions, which are currently controlled by filters that feature platinum.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the programme will help to prevent between 12,000 and 31,000 premature deaths and 1.4 million lost days of work.

"Stronger standards will help make large ships cleaner and more efficient, and protect millions of Americans from harmful diesel emissions," said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.

Estimates also indicate that the strategy will pave the way for $100 billion worth of savings in the US health industry.

The EPA was originally proposed by President Richard Nixon and commenced its operations on 2nd December 1970.

Source:

U.S. cracks down on lung-harming ship emissions (23/12/09)

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