Briefing

Cutting Sulphur Emissions from Marine Fuel

October 3, 2011

Last July the European Commission published a proposal to revise their “sulphur in fuels directive” that regulates the maximum level of sulphur permitted for fuels used in combustion plants and in the shipping sector.

Download the briefing

Sulphur contained in fuel causes emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and also contributes to the formation of secondary particulate matter that is particularly harmful both to humans and the environment. These emissions have a major health impact, with shipping air pollution estimated to cause around 50,000 premature deaths per year in Europe. SOX emissions also cause environmental problems such as the acidification of soil and water and damage to biodiversity.

Is the IMO on track?

T&E's assessment of the impact of the IMO's draft Net-Zero Framework

April 11, 2025

Press Release

UN shipping agreement a victory for multilateralism but a failure for the climate

Negotiators in London agreed for the first time on a framework that will require ships to switch away from fossil fuels, but the rules as they stand w...

April 11, 2025