- Introducing SEMPAS: A New Era in Ship Emission Monitoring
- Low-Emission Zone Established to Combat Shipping Emissions
- Belgium’s Commitment to Achieving Net Zero Shipping Emissions by 2050
A new sensor called Ship Emission Monitoring by Passive Remote Sensing (SEMPAS) has been installed in Zeebrugge to monitor the emissions from passing ships. The idea is to enforce emission control on one of the busiest shipping routes along the Belgian part of the North Sea by incorporating innovative methods to strengthen this goal, reports Container News.
Creation of a Low Emission Zone
A low-emission zone has been superimposed over the North Sea to reduce the negative health effects of shipping emissions. Here, shipping will be subject to tight emission standards. It safeguards public health even as economic activities are allowed to continue.
SEMPS Sensor Capabilities
A SEMPAS sensor can scan vessel emissions 24/7 from 10 kilometres away. Upon detection of a suspect vessel on emission levels breach, information is relayed to the Shipping Directorate General (DG) to be accordingly inspected. Inspection may either take a sniffer plane passing through the emission plume or boarding the ship.
Commitment to Climate Goals
“The international goal is to get shipping to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said outgoing Belgium’s North Sea minister Paul Van Tigchelt. “With new techniques, such as this sensor, we will soon be able to monitor ships to our ports 24/7. This test project in Zeebrugge proves once again that Belgium is leading the way thanks to our innovative companies and top experts in the fight against climate change.”
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Source: Container News
