Aerial monitoring points to decline in pollution by ships in North Sea
Four cases of operational marine pollution from ships were documented last year in the North Sea by the Institute for Natural Sciences’ Coast Guard aerial monitoring programme, the institute announced on Wednesday.
In addition to monitoring oil spills and sulphur and nitrogen emissions from ships, aircraft were used for fisheries control, air support during an anti-pollution exercise at sea, international operations and marine mammal surveys – in particular harbour porpoises and seals, but also a minke whale and five white-beaked dolphins.
No oil pollution was observed in the Belgian part of the North Sea in 2024, confirming the downward trend observed over the last 34 years.
However, four cases of operational pollution by harmful liquid substances other than hydrocarbons were observed, in each case without an identified polluter. It was impossible to determine the specific nature of the liquids discharged into the sea.
Unlike oil spills, discharges of noxious liquid substances remain a common problem, the institute says.
“Until 2022, an upward trend had been observed, which was confirmed by reports from other North Sea countries. 2023 showed a decline in pollution for the first time in the last 10 years,” it said.
“This decline appears to be continuing in 2024, although it is still too early to draw any conclusions. The fact that some of these discharges may be permitted by law does not alter the fact that they can have a negative impact on the environment.”
"This decline appears to be continuing in 2024, although it is still too early to draw any conclusions"
31 of the 743 ships inspected last year had suspicious sulphur values in their smoke plumes, and 59 of 735 had excessive nitrogen concentrations. These cases were reported to Belgian and European maritime inspection services.
It also appears that ships emit much more soot at sea than previously estimated, based on exhaust gas measurements from 451 ships.
The Coast Guard aircraft monitored four suspicious activities in or near Belgian maritime areas, three of which involved Russian ships. However, the programme is ageing, the institute warns.
“It needs to be replaced to ensure the continuity of the increasingly delicate operations required of Belgium as a coastal state in an increasingly complex maritime and international context.
"Without this, it is likely that Belgium will no longer have a suitable air surveillance platform and will no longer be able to fully meet its national and international commitments to environmental protection, safety and security in the North Sea.”
The Belgian part of the North Sea is one of the busiest shipping areas in the world and is home to several economic and industrial developments. It is also of ecological value as a unique transitional area between the southern North Sea and the Channel.
#FlandersNewsService | © A Coast Guard plane flies over a container ship in the North Sea in search of illegal pollution, 2021 © PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP
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