The Committee of Permanent Representatives endorsed the compromise proposal regarding the directive which amends the directive on the sulphur content of marine fuels. This directive aims to reduce sulphur dioxide and particulate matter emissions to provide a high level of protection for human health and environment.

The directive amending directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels is moving forward after the endorsement of the compromise proposal by the Committee of Permanent Representatives. The Commission submitted its proposal on July 2011. Commissioner for Environment, Janez Potočnik welcomed the provisional agreement on sulphur emissions from ships. He highlighted that without this Directive emissions from shipping would by 2020 exceed emissions from all land-based sources.

Emissions from shipping due to the combustion of marine fuels with a high sulphur content contribute to air pollution in the form of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which harm human health and contribute to acidification. The directive aims therefore to reduce these emissions considerably by rendering the most recent International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules on marine fuel standards mandatory in the EU, thereby amending Directive 1999/32/EC.

The directive will be now officially adopted by the Council, after the European Parliament adopts its position on first reading. Member states will have 18 months after the entry into force of the directive to adopt the necessary national provisions.