New operation plan for greener shipping
SHIPPING: Use of the latest green environment technology, mapping of the environmental challenges for the shipping industry and adjustments of Danish and international legislation, are some of the areas being considered in the attempt to improve air quality in Denmark and internationally.
These are also the main point of a new operation plan for green shipping that Minister of the Environment Troels Lund Poulsen has issued.
The operation plan is a result of a partnership between the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and Danish Shipowners Association. The purpose of the plan is to maintain and expand Denmark's international leading position in reducing air pollution from ships.
"Green technology is one of the main factors in the attempt to make Denmark a green winning nation. I am glad that we in cooperation with the shipping business can support the development of green technology to reduce air pollution from ships. The partnership in cleaner shipping helps ensuring that Denmark will be leading in this area also in the future. The development of new technology has an effect on the environment globally and locally. 2/3 of air pollution in Denmark comes with the wind from abroad, so it is decisive that the technologies we develop will be used be others than ourselves", says Troels Lund Poulsen.
The operation plan for greener shipping is a part of the government strategy 'clean air for everyone'. The operation plan has ten key activities within three areas of focus: mapping of shipping air pollution, development of green technology and knowhow on the reduction of sulphur discharge, nitrogen and particles from shipping as well as contributions to Danish and international legislation on the area.
As part of the plan an extensive mapping of the air pollution contribution of shipping in Denmark today and in the future after the introduction of new international permits for shipping discharges will be carried out. The mapping is made in cooperation with the Danish National Environmental Research Institute.
Simultaneously DKK 3.7 million will be given in support to a series of business projects in the development of green technology, including valves securing better combustion in older ship engines and methods and equipment for cleaning smoke gas from ship engines, as well as the possibility for using new and more environment friendly types of fuel and technologies from other businesses within shipping are investigated. Generally, a broad cooperation between the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the shipping business, research institutions and the industry is aimed for in order to reach the goals.
"The operation plan is assisting the effort to solve the challenges in the new and tightened demands, which are a great challenge for the shipping companies, but we wish to work constructively and ambitiously to fulfil the regulations. Danish shipping has always signified quality shipping and has continuously made a great effort in environment and climate issues. We wish to continue doing so", says vice chair of Danish Shipowners' Association Lars Vang Christensen.
Source: maritimedanmark.dk
