Release date: 07/22/2008
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn (202) 564-4355 / milbourn.cathy@epa.gov
(7/22/08) With
the president's July 21 signature of the Maritime Pollution Protection
Act of 2008, U.S. agencies are setting course to implement a key
international agreement to reduce air pollution from large ships. This
key step clears the way for U.S. ratification of the international
treaty regulating emissions – known as MARPOL Annex VI -- from large
diesel-powered, ocean-going vessels.
Under MARPOL Annex VI, container ships, tankers, cruise ships and bulk
carriers must limit NOx emissions from their category three diesel
engines. It also sets a cap on the sulfur content of the fuel they burn
and includes a program for designating areas where more stringent fuel
controls apply, such as near coastlines that have more severe air
quality concerns.
This October, the parties to MARPOL will work to strengthen NOx and SO2
standards and the sulfur requirements in fuel. The amendments under
review are consistent with the stringent and comprehensive proposal put
forward by the U.S. Government. If adopted, these stronger
international standards will yield significant environmental and public
health benefits in the U.S. and around the world.
As foreign trade grows and EPA's new emissions controls take effect on
other transportation sources, emissions from large ships comprise an
increasing share of the nation's pollution inventory. In 2001, in terms
of mobile sources, oceangoing vessels contributed nearly 6 percent of
NOx, over 10 percent of PM2.5, and about 40 percent of SO2 to the nation's air pollution. Without further controls, those numbers will rise to about 34 percent of NOx, 45 percent of PM2.5, and 94 percent of SO2 emissions by 2030.
The president's signature of the act brings into statute Annex VI to
the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(known as MARPOL). The U.S. Senate gave its formal advice and consent
to Annex VI in 2006. The final step of the ratification process is for
the President deliver a letter -- known as diplomatic instrument of
ratification -- to the International Maritime Organization. The U.S.
becomes a party three months later. MARPOL Annex VI entered into force
beginning in May of 2005, although ships have met most provisions since
2000.
For more information about efforts to reduce emissions from large ships, go to: epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm
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