EU Backs Shipping Emissions Studies

The European Union will support with €6.7 million from the TEN-T Program a series of studies followed by real life trials to evaluate a new generation lightweight pilot scrubber solution for ro-ro (roll on, roll off) ships. The initiative also contributes to the realization of the “Motorways of the Sea” (TEN-T Priority Project 21) concept.

The studies, selected for funding under the 2012 TEN-T Multi-Annual Program, will assess, install, demonstrate and evaluate a new generation of innovative lightweight scrubber technology on two existing ro-ro vessels operating in the Baltic and North Sea. Three EU Member States – Sweden, Finland and The Netherlands – will work together to verify and evaluate the specific port infrastructure and preparatory investments needed for full scale implementation of this technology.

The studies will also investigate how a financial mechanism can be set up in order to support ship owners/operators adopting the new technology and give recommendations to decision-makers on how to implement this mechanism.

Dissemination of results and best practices will provide guidance to the shipping community and will assist on how to choose optimum Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) compliance strategies.

The study will be monitored by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) and is set to be completed by December 2015.