Evaluation of the effect of Global Sulfur Cap 2020 on a Japanese inland sea area. Issue 2 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tauchi, Moe; Yamaji, Kazuyo; Nakatsubo, Ryohei; Oshita, Yoshie; Kawamoto, Katsuhiro; Itano, Yasuyuki; Hayashi, Mitsuru; Hiraki, Takatoshi; Takaishi, Yutaka; Futamura, Ayami
• Is Part Of: Case studies on transport policy. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 785
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Global Sulfur Cap -- Maritime vessel emissions -- Sulfur dioxide; Transportation and state -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Planning -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Research -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2022.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-624X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Benefits of the Global Sulfur Cap were investigated over the congested sea areas. SO2, V, and Ni in PM2.5 were decreased after the ship emission regulation. Decreased NOx and PM2.5 reflected economic stagnancy due to the COVID-19 pandemics. Further work needs to be done for quantitative evaluation of the Global Sulfur Cap. 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.