Panel Discussion Titled "Cruise Ship Emissions and Their Impact on the Environment" Organized by the Alumni Club
As part of the 4th Kotor International Maritime Conference (KIMC 2024), a panel discussion titled "Cruise Ship Emissions and Their Impact on the Environment (Port of Kotor)" was held on 27 November in the amphitheatre of the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor. The event was organised by the Alumni Club of the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor.
The panel featured:
- Prof. dr Danilo Nikolić, Full Professor at the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor,
- Mr Dragan Maslovar, Chief Engineer and Newbuilding Director at O.S.S. International from the Netherlands,
- Mr Željko Lompar, PSC Inspector,
- and Ms Radmila Gagić, MSc, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Maritime Studies Kotor.
A video presentation on cruise ship emissions in the Bay of Kotor, prepared by Prof. Christoforos Diamantis from the University of Athens, was also played during the panel. The discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor, Dr Miroslav Vukičević, Chief Engineer.
The three-hour discussion addressed current challenges in environmental protection and public health in coastal areas, with a particular focus on pollutant emissions from cruise ships.
Prof. Dr Danilo Nikolić presented the Faculty’s initiatives in environmental protection, including international projects addressing the environmental impact of shipping. He highlighted the Facultys Centre for Research and Entrepreneurship, established a decade ago, which realises numerous projects and lifelong learning programmes. The Centre has successfully implemented 25 projects worth approximately €3.5 million, seven of which are currently ongoing. He also emphasised the importance of equipment for emission reduction and air quality monitoring in the Bay of Kotor.
Mr Dragan Maslovar, Chief Engineer, discussed technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of shipping and obligations of shipowners under Tier 2 and Tier 3 standards. He addressed the misconception that ship exhaust emissions are a result of the operation of exhaust gas treatment systems (EGCS), clarifying that visible smoke is often unburned fuel, while water vapour from exhaust gas treatment systems quickly descends due to its weight. He stressed the need for a better understanding and implementation of modern technologies to mitigate their environmental impact.
Mr Željko Lompar shared Montenegro’s experiences since becoming a full member of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU). He outlined the country’s commitment to inspecting at least 60 vessels annually, despite challenges related to the limited number of inspectors. He also noted the benefits of MoU membership, including enhanced cooperation with international institutions and improved monitoring of ship emissions.
Ms Radmila Gagić, MSc, focused on the impact of PM (particulate matter) emissions on the environment and public health, presenting air quality research conducted in coastal areas. She highlighted that nanoparticles and ultrafine particles, primarily originating from fossil fuel combustion, pose a significant risk to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
The panel discussion provided valuable insights into current challenges and technological advancements in reducing maritime emissions. It was concluded that it is necessary to involve maritime experts more intensively in order to respond to these challenges.