EnvironmentGreater China

China targets ship pollution, spurs ECA conjecture

China clearly has shipping in its sights as it cracks down on polluting industries, leading analysts to expect some kind of emissions control area (ECA) to be put in place along the nation’s coastline soon.

State media reported this week that ship emissions are the third largest source of air pollution in China, following vehicles exhaust and factory emissions.

“China’s marine fuel quality lags behind that of major developed countries,” a local newspaper reported.

Both Hong Kong and Shenzhen have pushed through clean shipping incentive programmes, something that could be mirrored elsewhere.

In June, Chinese authorities said it was considering a new standard in regards to the country’s marine fuel quality and usage.

Our sister title, Maritime CEO, in its latest survey asks whether a China-wide emissions control area would change shipping forever? With a week to go the vote is split, 53% saying it would, and 47% reckoning a Chinese ECA would not change the whole industry across the world. To vote on the matter, click here.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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