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Emissions from Maritime Transport

Amendment of Directive 1999/32/EC
(relating to a reduction of the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels)

On 15 July 2011 the Commission adopted a proposal for an amendment of Directive 1999/32/EC

This amendment will

• align the Directive with the latest IMO provisions on the sulphur content of marine fuels;
• adapt the Directive to the IMO provisions on alternative compliance methods;
• maintain the link between the stricter fuel standards in SECAs and the fuel requirements for passenger ships on regular service;

• improve implementation of the Directive by harmonising and strengthening provisions for monitoring of compliance and reporting.

The legal proposal is accompanied by

• a Communication from the Commission on the review of the implementation of Directive 1999/32/EC related to the Sulphur Content of Certain Liquid Fuels and on further pollutant emission reduction from maritime transport
• a Commission Staff Working Paper on pollutant emission reduction from maritime transport and the sustainable waterborne transport toolbox
• an Impact Assessment that analyses the current situation, defines objectives and develops and assesses policy options
• a Summary of the Impact Assessment

• a Citizen's Summary

See also Press Release & frequently asked questions

On 23 May 2012 Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the amendment of Directive 1999/32/EC.

Directive 2012/33/EU amending Directive 1999/32/EC has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 17 November 2012.  Member States have to implement it by 18 June 2014.