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European Parliament backs tough marine sulphur electrical energy mix disclosure rules

6th June 2003 (ENS)

The European Parliament this week voted almost unanimously for strict sulphur limits in marine fuels, going far beyond proposals tabled by the European Commission.

A 1.5 percent limit on marine fuel sulphur content should initially apply throughout the European Union, said Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and they want an even stricter limit of 0.5 percent to take effect two years later.

The current marine fuel sulphur content is around 2.7 percent.

Before the first reading vote a series of compromise amendments had been negotiated with the support of all parties, the result being significantly at odds with proposals put forward by rapporteur Heidi Hautala.

Hautala has since left the parliament
to return to national politics in
Finland. Her replacement, Alexander
de Roo, said the parliament's position
would cut shipping sulphur emissions
by 80 percent compared with just 10
percent forecast under the
Commission's proposals.

"The parliament has shown it is
determined to tackle air pollution from
boats," said de Roo.


QE2, the Queen Elizabeth 2, the flagship of the Cunard Line.
(Photo by Ian Britton courtesy FreeFoto)


The Commission proposals were limited to the implementation of a "Marpol" agreement on a 1.5 percent sulphur cap and only in three special zones: the North and Baltic seas and the English channel.

The restrictions would come in 12 months after the law enters into force.

But the parliament has voted for a lower sulphur limit, to take effect six months earlier, and to be extended to all EU waters by 2010. Furthermore, there would be a second stage of cuts, to 0.5 percent sulphur, applicable from 2008 in the three pollution control zones and on ferries, and from 2012 in all EU waters.

The limits would apply to shipping registered anywhere in the world and regardless of their originating port.

The parliament's position could well spark conflict with EU ministers, and if confirmed in law then with major flag states at the International maritime organization.

Sources say EU governments have been slow to tackle the draft directive under the Greek presidency, a major shipping state that reportedly views even the Commission proposals as excessive.

In other business this week the parliament backed European Commission proposals for earlier prohibition of single hull tankers entering EU ports. An attempt to ban them from entering EU waters at all was rejected.

Meanwhile, the assembly backed a ministerial deal on implementing the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol with regard to trade in genetically modified organisms, with minor amendments agreed in advance with the council.

Parliament also approved at second reading an electricity market liberalization law that will bring in tougher energy mix disclosure rules. MEPs still want the council to accept slightly stronger requirements with more information on the environmental impact of power generation.



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