CLEAN FUEL FOR CLEAN SHIPS

A decision made in December 2008 by the European Parliament will make it possible for inland shipping operators to purchase clean fuel all over Europe by 2011.
The EU expects its Member States to ensure that gas oils and other liquid fuels used in inland waterway vessels and recreational craft will not exceed maximum permissible sulphur content of 10 mg/kg. Clean fuel will enable a smooth switch to new-generation and energy-efficient engines, which will save even more CO2. Furthermore, clean fuel will allow the installation of emission reduction devices cutting harmful NOX and PM emissions by 85-95%, further reducing the impact of inland waterway vessels on air quality. Despite some concerns, the introduction of clean fuel is not expected to be associated with a noticeable increase of fuel costs, since the new fuel will power more efficient engines, which will cut not only emissions, but consumption too.