Does shipping industry Pollution dwarf automobile emissions? (Ind. Report, Leg. & Reg.)

The Guardian has a devastating story on shipping emissions that was compiled using data from maritime industry insiders. It boldly states that just 15 of the world's largest supertankers emit as much pollution each year as all of the world's automobiles. If true -- or even partially true -- it's a stinging indictment.

The article states that the international nature of shipping industry makes it tough to regulate. Most ships use low-grade bunker fuel that can be 2,000 times heavier with sulfur than the diesel used on land, and most ship engines have little in the way of filters or emission controls. The EPA is arguing that a buffer zone around North America (ep Overviews, April 1, 2009) with higher air quality standards would save more than 8,000 lives annually, and reduce sulfur by pollution in the US by 98%, particulate matter by 85%, and NOx emissions by 80%. But some experts suggest this solution might just shift pollution problems to the developing world.

So pressure will certainly be mounting on the International Maritime Organisation to tighten emission laws to cut shipping pollution, and that could lead to opportunities for clean technology firms and refineries. US research suggests that shipping pollution inflates costs in the health care industry by up to $330 billion per year, and leads to 60,000 premature deaths in the US.

According to The Guardian:

· The world's biggest container ships have 109,000 horsepower engines weighing 2,300 tons.
· Ships typically operate 24 hrs per day, 280 days a year.
· There are 90,000 ocean-going cargo ships.
· Shipping is responsible for between 18-30% of the world's NOx pollution.
· Shipping produces 9% of the global sulphur oxide (SOx) pollution.
· A single large ship can generate 5,000 metric tons SOx pollution in a year
· 70% of all ship emissions are within 250 miles of land.
· 85% of all ship pollution is in the northern hemisphere.
· Shipping is responsible for 3.5% to 4% of all GHG emissions.

(Source: The Guardian, Treehugger, April 14, 2009). Contact: International Maritime Organization, +44 (0) 207 735-7611, www.imo.org.