The Port Authority of Marseille today presented a study on the evolution of atmospheric emissions from ships call at the port basins of Marseille and Fos-sur-Mer which is was created by the Pôle Mer Méditerranée, cluster that brings together economic operators and representatives of the world who discuss the issues of sustainability and maritime and coastal environments, and its partner technical system, Citepa. The study covers the years 2015, 2022, 2025, 2026 and 2035 and estimates a -80% reduction in the sulphur dioxide emissions from ships in the east and west of the port of Marseille-Fos, a decrease of -75% in the fine particulate matter and a -60% drop in nitrogen oxides.

For the period 2022-2026, in which it is expected that the Maritime traffic in the French port will increase slightly From 3,183 stopovers in 2022 to 3,228 planned for 2026, the study considers that it nevertheless expects a reduction of 60% from 2026 in sulphur dioxide emissions and a 48% decrease of fine particulate emissions thanks to the creation of the SECA for the control of carbon monoxide, sulphur and particulate matter that will include the entire Mediterranean, as approved at the end of 2022 by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization, SECA area which impose new limits on emissions from the first May 2025, and thanks to the electrification of the port's quays which will allow ships to turn off their on-board engines while will be at the mooring. This reduction is expected to be more for cruise ships, for which in the period 2022-2026, an increase of +7.7% in airports is expected and a +3.0% increase in days of activity, and this will happen thanks to the cold ironing systems on the docks that will allow connection to the shore electricity grid.

In addition, in the 2035 scenario, the positive effects of the electrification of the docks on air quality are expected to be even more pronounced than in 2022, including a 44% reduction in fossil fuel consumption, an 80% reduction in SO2 emissions, 75% reduction in emissions of fine particulate matter and 60% NOx emissions.

The study also notes that in 2026, with electrification of the docks, the ships in port will consume 6,463 terajoules of fuel, with a saving of 6.1% compared to 2022, while without cold ironing systems consumption would increase as a result of the Growth in the number of stopovers and the number of days of operation of ships in port. It is expected that in 2023, the projected consumption will be 3,862 terajoules of fuel, with a saving of 44% compared to 2022 due to cold ironing.