Support for degassing of NMVOCs in EU inland waterway and maritime transport

Introduction

LIFE4DEGAS overall objective is to assess the current situation regarding the transport of Non Methane Volatile Organic Compounds in inland waterway and maritime transport and the issue of degassing. It aims to assess pathways and measures to (further) limit or ban degassing of NMVOCs in inland waterway and maritime transport.

Specific Objectives

To reach its overall objective, the project will fulfil six specific objectives:

1. OBJ01 - Explore and quantify the scope and nature of degassing of NMVOCs in the EU and quantify its impacts on health and the environment. This will be based on an inventory and analysis of existing legislation and initiatives at EU and international level, as well as guidance documents relevant for degassing, to explore effectiveness and synergies.

2. OBJ02 - Develop options and scenarios for implementation measures and funding, including quantifying costs and benefits.

3. OBJ03 - Investigate how, by supporting developments and/or ratification of international conventions and participation in the IMO and UNECE fora, the issue of degassing from vessels from non-EU countries can be addressed. This would also benefit EU-based ship owners and operators operating in EU waters, including the possibility of (regional) NMVOC Emission Control Areas.

4. OBJ04 - Explore the possible use of EU financial support mechanisms, taking into account the nature of the stakeholders. Propose recommendations for funding (including infrastructure and research and innovation needs), implementation measures, governance, and any other issue of relevance.

5. OBJ05 - Draft an inventory of needs, options, bottlenecks, and barriers for degassing and possible alternative solutions to degassing in inland waterway and maritime transport.

6. OBJ06 - Set up a cooperation structure at EU level for support to legislative governance, transfer of best practices, and dialogue with industry (i.e., vessel owners and operators, ports, chemical industry, authorities, NGOs).