The health of oceans has received a boost following a ban on scrubber discharge agreed upon by EU environmental ministers and 15 European nations during the OSPAR meeting in late June. This ban targets the harmful pollutants produced by exhaust gas cleaning systems that contaminate marine environments. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be prohibited in the North-East Atlantic, followed by a ban on closed-loop scrubbers by 2029.
Scrubber systems are designed to eliminate harmful substances like sulfur and nitrogen oxides from ship emissions. However, the discharge often ends up in the ocean, leading to significant environmental concerns. Maarten Verdaasdonk, Project Manager for the North Sea Foundation, emphasized that converting air pollution to ocean pollution is unacceptable. While the ban marks a positive step for ocean protection, critics argue that it does not extend to territorial waters, limiting its effectiveness.
Verdaasdonk urged OSPAR members to support a broader ban to enhance water quality and safeguard marine life along coastlines. Additional initiatives, such as Sweden’s similar ban and a London shipping company’s adoption of modern sails, further highlight ongoing efforts to reduce maritime pollution.
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