That’s the aim of the ‘Escales Zero Fumée’, a 30m euro programme launched by Région Sud earlier this month; and it’s timely.
The Mediterranean is now second to the Caribbean in popularity as a cruise destination. Add in the ferries, and the annual total for Marseille is 3,700 ships (Toulon 1200, Nice 850). That’s a lot of pollution when 1 ship = 250 cars. Region Sud estimate that 20% of their population is affected with significant spikes around the ports.
Most emissions occur when the boats are slowly entering the port and then when stationary.
Electrification is the solution and Marseille aims to be the first in France, and in the Med, to provide this facility by 2025. It is already working on providing electricity to the ferries bound for Corsica. Plus Corsica Linea has bought its first ferry propelled by natural gas (GNL). Filters on funnels are another remedy, and 1/2m euro work is starting on La Méridionale. At the same time, CMA CGM are reducing CO2 emissions from their container ships.
It’s all going to take time, but the improvements can’t come quickly enough for people living close to the port. Local TV has been reporting serious respiratory problems for some, and a constant battle against filthy air evidenced by people’s contaminated windows and garden furniture.
There’s so much in the news about the environment, especially this week; it’s good to know that there are positive moves being made in the south of France, even though the process will be a long-term one.
Scientific data here: https://www.maregionsud.fr/actualites/detail/escales-zero-fumee-une-solution-pour-notre-sante
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