The Western Ligurian Sea Ports are set to become a designated Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA). The Genoa Blue Agreement, promoted by the Genoa Harbour Master, has been renewed. The voluntary agreement, which had initially been subscribed on 12 July 2019 by a group of cruise and passenger ferry liners and tug boat operators to reduce the environmental impact of vessels calling at the Ports of Genoa and Savona, represents a further major step towards sustainable shipping in the Ligurian cities. The carriers, which commit to the protocol, pledge to shift to the use of marine gasoil with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% by mass, already in a radius of up to 3 miles from the port, and not only once the vessel has docked in the port.
A key feature of the revised Genoa Blue Agreement, signed on 23 April 2021 and valid until the end of 2023, is its extension to all classes of vessels, including containerships, oil tankers and bulk carriers, consequently the new provisions will no longer be restricted to the passenger hub operations of Genoa and Savona, but are set to impact along the entire port coastline. The full support of the local ship agents has been instrumental in upgrading the guidelines of the agreement.
