"Europe's ageing fleet of nearly 2,000 ferries are a large but overlooked source of foul air in coastal cities. Emissions of sulphurous oxides toxic gases that smell like burnt matches and rotten eggs react to form tiny particles that penetrate the lungs, ride the bloodstream and damage organs throughout the body."
"Ferries in Europe spend most of their time within five nautical miles of densely populated ports, according to the report, and unlike bigger vessels that cross oceans many could run on electricity instead of dirty fuels or expensive synthetic alternatives."
"The analysis found it would have been technically feasible and cost-effective to electrify 20% of Europe's ferries in 2025, a share that rises to 43% by 2030 as battery technology improves and prices fall."
Europe's ageing fleet of nearly 2,000 ferries represents a major but overlooked source of air pollution in coastal cities. Analysis reveals that ferries produce more sulphur oxide emissions than road vehicles in 13 of Europe's 15 biggest port cities, including Dublin, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn. Sulphur oxides are toxic gases that form harmful particles penetrating lungs and damaging organs. Since ferries operate primarily within five nautical miles of densely populated ports, many could transition to electric power instead of burning polluting fossil fuels. Technical feasibility studies show electrifying 20% of Europe's ferries was achievable in 2025, increasing to 43% by 2030 as battery technology improves and costs decline, offering significant potential to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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