Cost-effectiveness of marine vapour emissions control

The European Directive (94/63/EC) on the ‘control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions resulting from the storage of petrol and its distribution from terminals to service stations’, the so called Stage-1 Directive, does not currently address controls of vapour emissions from ships. Stipulation of such controls was delayed, pending discussions within the International Maritime Organization (IMO) concerning international standardization and safety during the loading of ships.

Article 9 of the Directive invites the Commission to come forward with proposals, where appropriate, for amendment of the Directive, including in particular the extension of the scope to include vapour control and recovery systems for loading installations and ships. The proposals for amendments are to coincide with the Commission’s first report on the implementation of the Directive.