GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Particulate emissions from shipping
Unlike greenhouse gases such as CO₂, particulate emissions from shipping take the form of solid and liquid aerosols—soot, sulfates, and hydrocarbons—produced by the combustion of heavy fuel oil or marine diesel and released directly into the atmosphere through exhaust stacks.
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Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Air-Pollution.aspx
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Definition & Explanation
Unlike greenhouse gases such as CO₂, particulate emissions from shipping take the form of solid and liquid aerosols—soot, sulfates, and hydrocarbons—produced by the combustion of heavy fuel oil or marine diesel and released directly into the atmosphere through exhaust stacks. In densely populated port cities, these particles degrade air quality and are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular harm among local communities. Internationally, MARPOL Annex VI sets binding limits on sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are the primary regulatory lever for controlling particulate matter from vessels. Shipowners comply through exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), a switch to very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), or the adoption of LNG propulsion. Within Emission Control Areas (ECAs), tighter limits apply and demand additional technical or fuel-related measures.
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