http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2003/2003-06-06-02.asp
European Parliament Backs Tough Marine Sulfur Rule
STRASBOURG, France, June 6, 2003 (ENS) - The European Parliament this
week voted almost unanimously for strict sulfur limits in marine
fuels, going far beyond proposals tabled by the European Commission.
A 1.5 percent limit on marine fuel sulfur content should initially
apply throughout the European Union, said Members of the European
Parliament (MEPs), and they want an even stricter limit of 0.5
percent to take effect two years later.
The current marine fuel sulfur content is around 2.7 percent.
Before the first reading vote a series of compromise amendments had
been negotiated with the support of all parties, the result being
significantly at odds with proposals put forward by rapporteur Heidi
Hautala.
Hautala has since left the parliament to return to national politics
in Finland. Her replacement, Alexander de Roo, said the parliament's
position would cut shipping sulfur emissions by 80 percent compared
with just 10 percent forecast under the Commission's proposals.
"The parliament has shown it is determined to tackle air pollution
from boats," said de Roo.
The Commission proposals were limited to the implementation of a
"Marpol" agreement on a 1.5 percent sulfur cap and only in three
special zones: the North and Baltic seas and the English channel.
The restrictions would come in 12 months after the law enters into force.
QE2, the Queen Elizabeth 2, the flagship of the Cunard Line. (Photo
by Ian Britton courtesy FreeFoto)
But the parliament has voted for a lower sulfur limit, to take effect
six months earlier, and to be extended to all EU waters by 2010.
Furthermore, there would be a second stage of cuts, to 0.5 percent
sulfur, applicable from 2008 in the three pollution control zones and
on ferries, and from 2012 in all EU waters.
The limits would apply to shipping registered anywhere in the world
and regardless of their originating port.
The parliament's position could well spark conflict with EU
ministers, and if confirmed in law then with major flag states at the
International maritime organization.
Sources say EU governments have been slow to tackle the draft
directive under the Greek presidency, a major shipping state that
reportedly views even the Commission proposals as excessive.
In other business this week the parliament backed European Commission
proposals for earlier prohibition of single hull tankers entering EU
ports. An attempt to ban them from entering EU waters at all was
rejected.
Meanwhile, the assembly backed a ministerial deal on implementing the
Cartagena Biosafety Protocol with regard to trade in genetically
modified organisms, with minor amendments agreed in advance with the
council.
Parliament also approved at second reading an electricity market
liberalization law that will bring in tougher energy mix disclosure
rules. MEPs still want the council to accept slightly stronger
requirements with more information on the environmental impact of
power generation.
{Published in cooperation with ENDS Environment Daily, Europe's
choice for environmental news. Environmental Data Services Ltd,
London. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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