Study needed on impact of ship emissions

The Australian Maritime College (AMC) told a Parliamentary inquiry into Australia's coastal shipping policy that a study of the impact of ship emissions on urban air quality is needed.

Laurie Goldsworthy, Research Leader in Marine Engines at AMC told the inquiry “recognition in Europe, USA and Asia that ship emissions contribute significantly to air pollution over land has led the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to propose stricter limits on emissions of oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur from ships.”

Although yet to be ratified, new IMO guidelines would place tighter emissions restrictions from 2013 in waterways designated as Emission Control Areas (ECAs).

“The situation is not likely to be as serious in Australia as in Europe due to lower concentrations of shipping, but there is no scientific data to substantiate this so the findings of the proposed study could help inform Australian government decisions when and if they need to declare an ECA” continued Dr. Goldsworthy.

“To reduce the level of emissions and meet the new IMO guidelines, natural gas for fuelling coastal shipping should also be encouraged.”

“It is a clean burning fuel that would result in large reductions in ship emissions and has the added advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (CO2). “

“Natural gas is also plentiful in Australia and there is a growing trend overseas to use natural gas to fuel short haul shipping, including ferries,” concluded Dr. Goldsworthy

Research at AMC is directed at improved understanding of the combustion process in diesel engines, to aid the design of cleaner burning more efficient engines. The use of alternative fuels in boats and ships, including natural gas, is also being studied.

For further information:

Laurie Goldsworthy, 0363354774