EU targets shipping to boost air quality

The EU is looking to boost air quality across the continent by capping the amount of sulphur dioxide emissions churned out in the shipping industry.

It is hoped that by cutting down on the pollution by 90 per cent, less money will have to be spent on public health care.

The European Commission is planning to trim the maximum sulphur content allowed in fuels from 1.2 per cent to just 0.1 per cent in certain bodies of water by 2015.

This could potentially cost up to €11 billion (£9.5 billion), but this would be offset by savings of up to €34 billion in the health sector.

European Commissioner Janez Potocnik insisted action was needed to tackle the shipping industry, as pollution does not stop at borders.

"Land sources have been subject to the attentions of regulators for some time and the time has now come for the maritime sector to deliver its fair share," he remarked.

Environmental ministers met in Sopot last week to discuss ways to make Europe more sustainable in the near and long-term future.

Posted by Claire Manning