Economic Impact Assessment of a NOx Emission Control Area in the North Sea

Substantial benefits for health and environment by reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from ships in the North Sea.
This is the main conclusion from two new studies lead by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. The eight North Sea countries have jointly investigated the costs and benefits of creating a nitrogen emission control area (NECA) in the North Sea and the English Channel, from 2016 onwards.
The two studies are required by the International Maritime Organization, which can designate a NECA and thereby require new ships from 2016 onwards to emit 75 percent less nitrogen oxides than required today. And the message of the studies is clear – a NECA would be a cost efficient way to reduce the emissions.