Ferry lines affected by new air pollution rules

Airlines (and road companies) are not the only transport operators who are being affected by ever-stringent air pollution rules.  The Passenger Shipping Association put out a statement last week, ahead of a UK Parliament Transport Select Committee meeting, suggesting that the public could see increased prices and greater road congestion due to the introduction of new rules.

Ferry companies including Brittany Ferries, DFDS Seaways, P&O Ferries and Stena Line say the new rules will have far-reaching implications.  Fuel costs will increase by up to 87% and many ferry services on the English Channel, North Sea and in the Baltic face closure.  They also warn of the threat to seafaring and port jobs if ferry services close down.

The International Maritime Organisation and EU member states want ships to burn fuel with a low 0.1% sulphur content from 2015 instead of the 1% sulphur content in use today.

“While we fully support the good and green intentions of the changes, we are having to tell the Transport Select Committee that the proposals are unrealistic both on grounds of cost and in the time available to us,” said William Gibbons, Director of the Passenger Shipping Association. www.the-psa.co.uk

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