Ships are a substantial source of pollution, both in terms of air pollution and marine pollution.
- Air pollution from ships
Air pollution from ships comes primarily from the burning of heavy fuel oil, which releases sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (microscopic particles suspended in the air).
These pollutants can have a range of negative impacts on human health, including respiratory problems, cancer, and the environment.
- Ships pollute the oceans
Marine pollution from ships can include releasing oil and other chemicals, garbage, and plastic waste. Additionally, when ships accidentally have an oil spill, this devastates marine life and coastal ecosystems.
MARPOL
Ships have a responsibility to monitor and reduce their pollution. International maritime laws and regulations establish standards and guidelines for ships to prevent and minimize pollution.
MARPOL stands for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. It’s an international maritime treaty adopted in 1973 and has been modified by several protocol amendments. The purpose of MARPOL is to minimize pollution of the marine environment from ships by regulating the discharge of oil, sewage, and other harmful substances. MARPOL is considered the main international convention covering the prevention of pollution by ships. It’s widely accepted and ratified by most countries and widely accepted as the international standard for preventing pollution from ships.
Ships must keep records of their fuel consumption and emissions and report their emissions to the flag state. In shipping, the term “flag state” refers to the country whose flag a ship is registered under and is considered the legal jurisdiction for that vessel. The flag state is responsible for enforcing compliance with international maritime laws and regulations for vessels flying its flag. This includes safety, labour, and environmental standards, and ensuring that the crew is properly trained and certified. They are also subject to inspection by port state control authorities, which can enforce compliance with maritime laws and regulations.
Moreover, ships of 500 GT or more operating outside the territorial waters must have an International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate and an International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate. These certificates are issued by the flag state and are to be renewed every 5 years.
In shipping, “GT” stands for Gross Tonnage. Gross tonnage measures the size or carrying capacity of a ship. It’s calculated based on the total volume of the ship’s enclosed spaces, including cargo holds, passenger spaces, and engine rooms. For example, the number 500 GT refers to the size of the ship, meaning the ship’s gross tonnage is 500. It’s used to classify ships and determine specific requirements such as crew size and safety standards. Gross tonnage differs from Deadweight tonnage (DWT), which is the total weight of cargo, fuel, water, stores, and crew that a ship can carry.
Additionally, some companies or chartering parties and ports may have further regulations than the international standard, such as “Eco-ship” and “Green-ship” certificates, amongst others.
Ships are legally bound to keep their emissions in check, which are monitored through various certificates and international laws.
Oceanbird
Swedish shipping company Wallenius Marine is developing a concept for ships that can be fitted to new ships and retrospectively to existing ships. The concept is called “Oceanbird” and is sail-powered.
The new ship they are designing using this concept is an outsized sailboat that aims to end fossil-driven cargo ships. It will be twice as high as the largest comparable vessel, with five 80-meter-tall sails protruding from its hull. The giant sails can retract in segments to a quarter of their length for overhead clearance or storms.
The new Oceanbird ship would make it the world’s largest wind-powered vessel, capable of travelling across the ocean to the US at a speed of 10 knots and with a total journey time of 12 days.
According to Wallenius Marine, this is only four days longer than a vessel powered by fossil fuel; however, it would emit 90 per cent less CO2.
Oceanbird will also reduce Sound Pollution
Besides reducing air emissions, Oceanbird will also decrease sound pollution in the water. The Oceanbird vessels would be far quieter in the water since they would have no noise from generators or engines. This will be invaluable for conserving whales and other marine mammals that depend on their hearing for navigation, reproduction, and finding food.
Developed in collaboration with Sweden’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology and naval research institute SSPA, the Oceanbird project hopes to significantly lessen the environmental impact of maritime freight transport.
Does Marine Insurance provide cover for exceeding emissions limits?
This depends on the specific terms of the marine insurance policy. For example, some policies may exclude coverage for emissions violations, while others may include coverage with certain conditions or limits. It’s essential to review the terms of a marine insurance policy to determine what is and is not covered. It is recommended to consult with a marine insurance provider regarding this.