As the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 11) concludes in London, the Clean Arctic Alliance emphasizes urgent action to address black carbon emissions from shipping in the Arctic region. Black carbon, a potent climate pollutant, poses significant environmental and health risks, particularly in sensitive polar ecosystems.
Call for Mandatory Regulation
The Alliance urges the IMO to swiftly adopt a mandatory regulation mandating ships to switch to distillate fuels while operating in and near the Arctic. Despite progress made during PPR11, including guidance on black carbon control measures, the IMO’s failure to regulate black carbon emissions remains a critical issue.
Scrutiny on Scrubbers
During PPR11, debates surrounding the regulation of scrubbers highlighted concerns over their environmental impact, particularly in coastal waters and sensitive regions like the Arctic. The lack of consensus underscores the need for further scrutiny and potential regulation to mitigate pollution from scrubber discharge.
Transition from Heavy Fuel Oil
PPR11 also addresses the risks associated with heavy fuel oil (HFO) use in Arctic waters, emphasizing the need for ships to transition to cleaner alternative fuels. The Alliance stresses the importance of proactive measures by shipping companies to reduce environmental risks and black carbon emissions, aligning with the deadline to phase out HFO use in the Arctic by July 1, 2024.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe
Source: Clean Arctic Alliance
