Ships' Solutions for meeting the International requirements regarding the reduction of Air Pollution

In: Pomorski zbornik, Band 53, Heft 1, S. 53-65

Abstract

Large quantities of harmful substances, gases and particles are released from the ships into the air. This leads to many unwanted chemical processes having a harmful effect on the entire planet and on the human health as well. In most cases, these processes result in ozone depletion, acid rain, global warming, appearance of dermatological and respiratory diseases and other undesirable impacts on the entire ecosystem. Aiming to reduce the adverse impact on the environment, the international maritime community has decided to regulate and set rigorous requirements for ships by introducing and implementing the Annex 6 of the MARPOL Convention. On the bases of these requirements, ships and their owners will be subjected to more stringent conditions that are primarily related to adjustment of existing ships' engines and/or the use of environmentally friendly fuels. This paper analyses air pollution deriving from ships in general and its negative effects on the atmosphere. It also presents possible methods and solutions of adapting ships to new and more stringent requirements as well as the advantages and disadvantages of relevant technical solution