THE IMPACT ON EMISSIONS IN SW EUROPEAN SHORT SEA SHIPPING BASED ON MOPSEA EMISSION MODEL

According to the mid-term review of the EU White Paper on Transport, Short Sea Shipping is expected to grow at a rate of 59% (metric tonnes) between 2000 and 2020. Even with Marpol Annex VI [1] in operation, the share of emissions from maritime transport can no longer be ignored because they would become increasingly important. There is an existing need to evaluate the impact of the maritime transport on emissions. This paper analyses emissions of maritime transport in SW European Short Sea Shipping, considering actual routes and ships’ particulars based on MOPSEA [2] emission model and the results of LAERTES [3] project carried out by TRANSMAR Research group. This paper will conclude proposing some results that would justify the need to reduce atmospheric emissions from sea-going vessels to compete with road transport mode. Policy makers have to be aware of the results and its effect on the current legislation for maritime transport.