54 Air Monitoring
What is cruise ship air pollution and how widespread is it? TALKING POINT
Air pollution silently infi ltrates our environment, posing signifi cant challenges to both human health and the ecosystems we depend on. One often overlooked source of this pollution is the burgeoning cruise ship industry. This article aims to shed light on the degree of air pollution from cruise ships and the aff ected areas, with a spotlight on Europe’s most polluted ports.
Cruise ships, the behemoths of the sea, are far from harmless to our atmosphere. Their emission footprints are colossal, spewing out harmful particulate matter and gases that taint the air in the cities they frequent. A recent report has revealed that in a single year, the cruise ships in Europe belched out more toxic sulphuric gas than one billion cars. Despite the industry’s pledges to reduce their environmental impact, pollution from these vessels is on an alarming upward trend.
Europe’s 218 operational cruise ships collectively released 509 tonnes of sulphur oxides in 2022, a notable increase from the 465 tonnes in 2019. This amount surpasses the quantity produced by a billion cars or 4.4 times more than all the cars on the continent. Sulphur oxides are notorious for causing acid rain and exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma and emphysema.
In addition to sulphur oxides, cruise ships emit other dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and PM2.5
been an 18% rise in nitrous oxide emissions and a 25% increase in PM2.5 particulate matter across Europe. Both of these pollutants are associated
with respiratory diseases and lung cancer.
The detrimental impacts of cruise ship pollution extend across the continent, from Mediterranean cities to northern ports. Barcelona, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture, was crowned as Europe’s most polluted port in terms of cruise-sourced air pollution in 2022. With 805 port calls from cruise ships and more than two million passengers disembarking in the city, the cruise ships caused three times as much air pollution as all the city’s passenger cars.
The second most polluted port was Civitavecchia, a picturesque coastal port northwest of Rome, followed by the Athenian port of Piraeus, Palma Mallorca in Spain, and Portugal’s Lisbon. However, the pollution burden is not confi ned to Mediterranean cities. Hamburg and the UK’s Southampton experienced signifi cant rises in air pollution from 2019 to 2022.
Southampton, one of the UK’s major ports, is third in the rankings for cruise ship-generated oxides of nitrogen and particulates among European ports, according to a report by environmental campaign group Transport & Environment. This city’s cruise company, Carnival, is working on reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels. However, a worrying 14% increase in sulphur emissions over three
particulate matter. From 2019, there has years reveals the urgency of this issue.
Despite the gloomy statistics, there are glimmers of hope. Venice, once Europe’s most polluted cruise port, has experienced an 80% reduction in sulphur oxide levels since the banning of large cruise ships in 2021. This positive shift is an encouraging indicator that policy changes can have substantial environmental impacts.
To combat air pollution in European cities, it’s crucial for governments and authorities to take decisive action. Implementing restrictions on larger vessels, limiting ships from running their engines at port, and promoting the adoption of zero-emission fuels are some of the suggested measures. The use of shore-side electricity for docked ships could drastically reduce emissions, as it allows ships to switch off their engines.
Companies are urged to discontinue investing in liquefi ed natural gas (LNG)-powered vessels, as they emit unburned methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Recent research suggests that the warming eff ect of methane slip from LNG-powered ships could negate the environmental benefi ts of reduced CO2
emissions.
Moreover, there are encouraging advances in clean maritime technologies that off er realistic alternatives to traditional fuels. For instance, battery-operated vessels and ships running on hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly viable solutions. The adoption of such technologies not only reduces harmful emissions but also paves the way towards a sustainable future for the cruise industry.
Investments in sustainable infrastructure are also vital. Ports must have the capability to provide shore power to docked ships, eliminating the need for running engines while in port. Implementing a “plug-in” policy, similar to that of California’s At-Berth Regulation, could signifi cantly cut down pollution levels in ports.
The role of passengers cannot be overstated in the drive towards cleaner cruising. Increasing public awareness about the environmental impacts of the cruise industry can spur demand for sustainable options. This could potentially shift market dynamics, pushing cruise companies to invest more in green technologies and cleaner fuels.
In conclusion, while the cruise ship industry poses a serious threat to air quality in European cities and beyond, solutions are within reach. It requires concerted action from governments, industry players, and consumers alike. With eff ective regulations, technological advancements, and public demand for sustainability, we can navigate towards a future where cruise ships contribute less to air pollution and more towards the enjoyment of the world’s natural beauty.
Lung cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, over ten percent of cases of lung cancer are linked to an excess of exposure to Radon, according to a report from the World Health Organisation.
Radon is an odourless, colourless radioactive gas that is present in varying degrees all around us. Most of the Radon in indoor air comes from soil and is proving to be more of a hazard than levels of Radon in the drinking water supply. When Radon rises into a home or commercial property, it can be trapped and build up to dangerous levels for people inside the building. The radioactive decay will then create alpha particles, which in turn can cause permanent damage to lung tissue.
In order to address the threat posed by Radon, Euro-Gas has created the Radon SS, a state-of- the-art phototransistor gas sensor that provides exceptional performance. With the ability to detect levels ranging from 0-65,000Bq/m3
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a standard range of 1750pCi/l Rn, this unique sensor is designed to be user-friendly and can be easily integrated into both portable and fi xed air quality and gas detection devices. Operators can rely on the complete data provided by the Radon SS, including current and average Rn alpha particle concentration, to effectively monitor and manage Radon levels.
The Radon SS is an innovative solution for detecting and monitoring Radon contamination in indoor environments. This simple and effective tool provides valuable information to help protect people from the harmful effects of Radon exposure.
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IET ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE 2023/24
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