Evaluation, control and Mitigation of the EnviRonmental impacts of shippinG Emissions
Implementation
The project included measurements and modelling on actual vessels. Those focused on abatement techniques and included emissions to, and concentrations in water, air and marine biota. A wide spectrum of models were used, including those for ocean circulation, biogeochemical processes, atmospheric dispersion and the bioaccumulation of pollutants.
Overview/Summary/Methods
The EMERGE project has systematically analyzed the complex interactions between technological options, pollutant emissions and dispersion, and the consequences for the marine environment. It assessed the effectiveness of exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) -known also as scrubbers- in reducing key pollutants from ship emissions and crucial insights into the ecological impacts of EGCS effluent characteristics, toxicity, and air emissions. highlighting the need for stricter regulations, at least in specific regions and in vicinity of coastal ecosystems, and the need for wider use of sustainable fuel alternatives in maritime transportation.
The experimental part of the project focused on five European ecologically vulnerable regions, Eastern Mediterranean, Northern Adriatic Sea, the Lagoon of Aveiro, the Solent Strait and the Öresund Strait, and a mobile onboard case study. The modeling work was done at both regional and local scales. The EMERGE consortium also developed a harmonised and integrated modelling framework to assess the combined impacts of shipping emissions, both on (i) the marine ecosystems and (ii) the atmospheric environment. The assessment also included evaluations of the costs and benefits of control and mitigation options pertaining to water quality, air pollution exposure, health impacts, climate change, and the bioaccumulation of pollutants. In addition, for various abatement measures, the cost-efficiency was also analyzed, covering different fuels and technological solutions.
Figure 2: The EMERGE Case Study Map
Finally, the EMERGE project delivered critical findings that help shape future policies and practices in the shipping industry in the EU and globally. The project’s work offers clear guidance on how to reduce the environmental and health impacts of shipping, supporting more sustainable maritime operations.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 874990
This work reflects only the authors’ view and CINEA is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.