Latest news with #InternationalConventionforthePreventionofPollutionfromShips
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Ship sinking off Kerala coast triggers oil spills concerns: All you need to know
A Liberian-flagged cargo ship carrying 640 containers onboard, including 13 hazardous cargoes, capsized and sank in the sea off the coast of Kerala on Sunday (May 25). All crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard and a Navy ship, but the incident has raised fears of an oil spill. The Coast Guard said the ship Saksham, equipped with pollution response equipment, has been positioned to respond to any oil spill scenario. How did the ship capsize? According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the MSC ELSA 3 vessel capsized rapidly in the early hours of Sunday 'due to flooding in one of the holds'. A hold is a section below deck where the cargo is stored. 'The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containing hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. Additionally, the ship had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks,' the ICG said in a post on X. 'ICG aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are undertaking an assessment of the situation. Presently, no oil spill has been reported,' it added. The vessel departed for Kochi from Vizhinjam port on Friday, PTI reported. Natural disasters, human error, or equipment failure can trigger accidents involving oil tankers or ships. When oil spills into water, it rapidly spreads. Due to its lighter density, it forms a layer over water, obstructing sunlight and disrupting photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton – organisms crucial for oxygen production. Marine animals also consume phytoplankton, which form the base of multiple food chains. Marine animals face immediate dangers from toxic exposure. With oil coating the feathers of birds, they may lose their insulation abilities, leading to hypothermia and drowning. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that fish and invertebrates may also endure challenges with reproduction and growth. The environmental consequences are influenced by factors such as the type of oil, the volume of the spill, weather conditions, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems. In more severe cases, the impact can be felt for decades. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is among the largest accidental oil spills in history. Starting April 20, 2010, over 4 million barrels of oil flowed over 87 days into the Gulf of Mexico, killing thousands of wildlife creatures. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) governs oil spills. It evolved from several older agreements and led to a protocol issued in 1978 following several oil spill disasters in the 1970s. India is also a signatory. The MARPOL Convention has six annexes, covering prevention of pollution from ships by Oil, Noxious liquid substances, Dangerous goods in packaged form, Sewage, Garbage and Air pollution from ships. It is enforced with the help of domestic legislation, such as the Merchant Shipping Act in India, which has provisions on civil liability and pollution prevention certificates. Indian ships and ships in Indian waters are mandated to follow these regulations. Ports also maintain oil spill contingency plans to handle local cases, while the Indian Coast Guard is the nodal agency. Some methods are skimming, in situ burning and releasing chemical dispersants. Skimming involves removing oil from the sea surface before it can reach sensitive areas along the coastline. In situ burning means burning a particular patch of oil after it has concentrated in an area. Releasing chemical dispersants helps break down oil into smaller droplets, making it easier for microbes to consume and further break it down into less harmful compounds. However, despite technological advancements, cleaning up oil spills is challenging. Oil spreads quickly, and rough seas and strong currents complicate cleanup efforts. Oils vary in properties, with some sinking or emulsifying with water and making separation tough. Methods like chemical dispersants can harm marine life, and manual cleanup is labour-intensive and often ineffective in remote areas. What should the local population do now? The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned the general public against touching any cargo containers or oil that may wash ashore. They have also urged people to immediately inform the police if they spot any containers or oil on the shore. Additionally, they said oil films could appear along parts of the coast. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, on Sunday said, 'Based on hypothetical simulations, the spilled oil pollutant can reach the coastal stretch of Alappuzha, Ambalapuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagappally within 36-48 hours of release. These coastal zones are at risk of contamination and should be given prompt attention to minimise potential environmental impact.'
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global majors reach historic deal on cutting shipping emissions
After years of intense negotiations, many of the world's largest shipping nations have reached a landmark deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping, setting mandatory fuel standards and introducing an industry-wide carbon pricing mechanism. The framework – agreed during the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee – aims for net-zero emissions from the sector by 2050 and will be formally adopted in October before coming into force in 2027. They will apply to large ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, which collectively account for 85% of carbon dioxide emissions from the marine shipping fleet. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez hailed the breakthrough after a 10-year deadlock, emphasising the collaborative spirit that led to the deal. "The approval of draft amendments to Marpol Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments," he stated. Marpol Annex VI refers to provisions in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, specifically addressing air pollution. It already includes mandatory energy efficiency requirements for ships and has 108 Parties covering roughly 97% of the world's merchant shipping fleet by tonnage. The framework introduces a dual approach: a global fuel standard that will progressively lower the annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity of marine fuels, and a greenhouse gas pricing mechanism requiring high-emitting ships to pay for their excess pollution, said experts. Under the new system, ships that exceed emissions limits will need to acquire remedial units to offset their excess pollution, they stated. Meanwhile, vessels operating with zero or near-zero emissions will be eligible for financial rewards, creating a market-driven push toward cleaner maritime transport, they added.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
13-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global majors reach historic deal on cutting shipping emissions
After years of intense negotiations, many of the world's largest shipping nations have reached a landmark deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping, setting mandatory fuel standards and introducing an industry-wide carbon pricing mechanism. The framework – agreed during the UN International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee – aims for net-zero emissions from the sector by 2050 and will be formally adopted in October before coming into force in 2027. They will apply to large ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, which collectively account for 85% of carbon dioxide emissions from the marine shipping fleet. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez hailed the breakthrough after a 10-year deadlock, emphasising the collaborative spirit that led to the deal. "The approval of draft amendments to Marpol Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments," he stated. Marpol Annex VI refers to provisions in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, specifically addressing air pollution. It already includes mandatory energy efficiency requirements for ships and has 108 Parties covering roughly 97% of the world's merchant shipping fleet by tonnage. The framework introduces a dual approach: a global fuel standard that will progressively lower the annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity of marine fuels, and a greenhouse gas pricing mechanism requiring high-emitting ships to pay for their excess pollution, said experts. Under the new system, ships that exceed emissions limits will need to acquire remedial units to offset their excess pollution, they stated.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Countries agree to reduce maritime emissions, tax carbon offenders
April 12 (UPI) -- More than 100 nations in the International Maritime Organization have agreed to fuel standards for ships and fees for carbon emissions offenders, which the Trump administration opposes. In London on Friday, the United Nations agency members agreed on a draft to be formally adopted in October in an effort to cut down on global carbon emissions. If adopted, it would go into effect in 2027 for ocean-going vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage, which collectively account for 85% of carbon dioxide emissions from the marine shipping fleet. They did not, however, agree on a levy on carbon dioxide usage, which would net roughly $60 billion a year. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships has 108 parties, covering 97% of the world's merchant shipping fleet by tonnage, and already has some mandatory efficiency requirements for ships. The new draft proposal was agreed upon by the Marine Environment Protection Committee during its four-day session. IMO has 176 member states and was established in 1948 and met for the first time in January 1959. Most non-member states are landlocked countries, including Afghanistan, Laos, South Sudan and Uzbekistan. IMO set a goal for shipping to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. President Donald Trump withdrew from the organization earlier this month, saying the United States would reciprocate against any fees imposed on U.S. ships. The White House and State Department yet commented on the draft proposal. Major oil-producing states, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Russia, also oppose the measure, as do several small island states who abstained on the final vote. A levy for all carbon dioxide emissions was opposed by those nations as well as Brazil, China and the European Union. In the agreed-upon plan, there would be a new standard for the volume of emissions per unit of energy used by the ship. Ship owners that do not meet certain emission targets will have to offset their emissions or pay into the IMO net-zero fund, a measure that is forecast to raise about $10 billion. The fund will be used to reward ships with low emissions, support clean energy research, further the IMO's greenhouse gas reduction initiatives and support places vulnerable to climate change. The plan is reduce emissions about 8% by 2030. There was a 20% reduction required by the IMO's climate strategy in 2023. Ships have been encouraged to use low carbon dioxide fuels and to operate more efficiently, including slowing down. "The approval of draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI mandating the IMO net-zero framework represents another significant step in our collective efforts to combat climate change, to modernize shipping and demonstrates that IMO delivers on its commitments, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said. "Now, it is important to continue working together, engaging in dialogue and listening to one another, if we are to create the conditions for successful adoption." According to The Washington Post, some of the opposition to the plan is that "2030 is less than 5 years away ... As a matter of scientific, engineering and technical reality it will not be possible to reduce emissions beyond 6% within that time frame for all ships, leading to unnecessary penalization that will result in significant impacts on trade, food and energy security and our beloved sector." Environmental groups also would like to see better ways to hit the targets. "While the targets are a step forward, they will need to be improved if they are to drive the rapid fuel shift that will enable the maritime sector to reach net zero by 2050," said Jesse Fahnestock, director of decarbonization at the Global Maritime Forum, a nonprofit focused on decarbonization in the maritime shipping industry, told The Washington Post. Maritime shipping, is responsible for approximately 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The maritime shipping industry would rank sixth if compared to countries that emit the largest volume of greenhouse gases, according to the U.S. Energy Department. In the U.S., there are approximately 40,000 commercial vessels and 360 commercial seaports in addition to 10.5 million motorized recreational boats. About 12% of the U.S. population lives near seaports, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, dangerous soil and water quality, and poorer health outcomes, according to the agency. "The U.S. government has committed to ambitious goals for maritime emissions reduction which will require the resources and expertise of the numerous federal agencies working in concert," the agency said on its website. "The U.S. Department of Energy and its National Laboratory system have important roles to play in this work, especially on research, development, and demonstration." It includes low-carbon liquid and gaseous fuels; hybridization and all-electric drive trains; energy efficiency and optimization; and exhaust treatment and carbon capture. Cruise ships, while a small percentage of the global fleet, contribute significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions, emitting more pollutants. A medium-sized cruise can emit as much particulate matter as a million cars in a day, according to GreenMatch in Britain. A daily cruise trip averages 700 to 1,000 pounds of carbon emissions, much higher than flying, driving or a traditional "land" vacation, and the sulphur dioxide emissions from a single cruise ship can equal the emissions from 13.1 million cars per day. The largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's 9,000-guest Icon of the Seas, is 24% more efficient in carbon emissions but with a maximum of 15 cruises a year, it would emit approximately 2.85 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to GreenMath. This is equivalent to the emissions of about 619,565 average passenger vehicles.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Shipping companies slammed with nearly $2M fine after deceiving US Coast Guard — here's what you need to know
Two foreign shipping companies have been banned from doing business in the United States after committing environmental crimes. The crimes occurred aboard the M/V ASL Singapore, a carrier owned and operated by ASL Singapore Shipping Limited and Jia Feng Shipping Limited. According to U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, a routine Coast Guard inspection found the ship had used a "magic pipe" — a flexible hose attached to a portable pump — to discharge oily bilge water overboard. This action violated the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, also known as MARPOL, which regulates how such waste must be disposed of. The inspection also found that falsified oil record books had been presented to the Coast Guard in an attempt to hide that oily bilge water had been repeatedly dumped overboard since at least June 2023. The companies pleaded guilty, resulting in the ban and a combined $1.85 million in fines. The ship's chief engineer, Fei Wang, was separately sentenced to three months in prison and three years of supervised release. Bilge water, which gathers in the lowest part of a ship's hull, typically contains various oils and other contaminants from the ship's engine. When not disposed of properly, that oil becomes a major threat to marine life. Even small amounts of oil can be deadly to animals. It can coat wildlife's feathers or fur, preventing birds from flying or making fur less insulating. The toxins within oil can also cause major long-term health problems. Much of this pollution is carried out by companies that also boast about being environmentally friendly. This tactic, called greenwashing, is commonplace among polluters. Such corporations will use commercials and other public-facing means to promote green projects while continuing to damage Earth when few people are looking. Perhaps unsurprisingly, ASL Singapore Shipping Limited has a large section on its website dedicated to its sustainability efforts. Could America stop using oil and gas by 2050? For sure No way Only certain states could I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The M/V ASL Singapore is not the first ship to be fined, or banned from doing business, because of its illegal dumping practices. So far this year, several Greek shipping companies have been found guilty of polluting our waters and had to pay fines of $4.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. There are also nonprofits, like SkyTruth, that use satellite images to detect oil pollution, which can frequently occur in remote areas of the ocean that are hard to monitor. SkyTruth's Cerulean tracking system is free for anyone to see when and where oil pollution has occurred. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
