Abstract
The Global Sulfur Cap 2020 regulation requires a decrease in the sulfur content in the fuel oil used on ships from 3.5% to 0.5%. In this study, atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and fine particulate matter concentrations were measured in the Seto Inland Sea, a congested sea area in Japan. A rapid decrease was observed in ship emission indices, such as SO2, vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), and the V/Ni ratio, at coastal monitoring stations, providing evidence of the implementation of this regulation. Onboard observations clearly revealed a decrease in maritime gaseous SO2 immediately after the regulation came into effect; similar changes were observed in the coastal areas from January to June in 2019–2020. Although continuous studies will be needed to distinguish the benefits of the regulation from those of other factors, these findings will be useful for policymakers when addressing atmospheric pollution issues in congested sea areas.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
