Press Release: European Commission launches strategy to reduce air pollution from ships

The European Commission adopted a new strategy in November 2002 to reduce the impact of ship's atmospheric emissions on the environment and human health. The main aim of the strategy is to reduce the impact of emissions from seagoing ships on local air quality and acidification. The strategy will also help support the promotion of shipping as an environmentally friendly mode of transport a key opportunity for the maritime industry in light of recent events. An important part of the strategy is a proposal to reduce the sulphur contents of marine fuels used in the European Union.