Release date: 06/28/2007
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - June 28, 2007) Federal partners and the World Shipping Council announced today their support of the United States' proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) seeking more stringent emission limits for ocean-going ships. The IMO is the primary international body governing the shipping industry on safety, security and environmental matters.
"The U.S. proposal would reduce harmful ship emissions, while ensuring the efficiency of marine transportation worldwide," Bob Meyers, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "The World Shipping Council's support makes it an industry leader in working to provide clean air to people who live, work and play in or near the world's coasts and waterways."
The U.S. proposal, submitted to IMO earlier this year, is a series of amendments to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The proposal would dramatically reduce air pollution from ships by establishing a new tier of performance-based standards for marine diesel engines on all vessels. It will also establish stringent emission requirements for ships that operate in coastal areas where air quality problems are acute.
The U.S. proposal consists of:
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