The Council adopted the directive amending directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels. It renders the most recent International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules on marine fuel standards mandatory in the EU. The directive aims therefore to reduce some certain emissions from shipping considerably and to provide a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

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 Council therefore adopted a directive that aims to reduce these emissions considerably and to provide a high level of protection for human health and the environment. The provisional agreement was reached between the Council and the European Parliament in May 2012.

The main points of this directive are that the limits for the sulphur content of marine fuels used in designated SO2 Emission Control Areas (SECAs) will be 1% until 31 December 2014 and 0.10% as from 1 January 2015. It will also provide aid for investment costs. As part of the effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties to be set by member states in implementing the directive, possible fines should at least be equivalent of the benefits deriving from the infringements to the provisions of the directive. The directive also says that the Commission should, based on the implementation of the directive, draw up a report by December 2013 and consider in this context further stregthen the provisions of the directive.

The new legislation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Member states will have 18 months after the entry into force to adopt the necessary national provisions.