Sensor installed to monitor ship emissions off Belgium

Ships passing through one of Europe’s busiest lanes will need to make sure they are compliant with all environmental regulations.

A sensor has been installed at the Belgian port of Zeebrugge to monitor how many and which substances passing ships through the North Sea emission controls area (ECA) emit.

The sensor can monitor the emissions of passing ships from a distance of 10 km. Ships found to fall foul of the ECA regulations will face further inspections and likely fines.

“With new techniques, such as this sensor, we will soon be able to monitor ships to our ports 24/7. This test project in Zeebrugge proves once again that Belgium is leading the way thanks to our innovative companies and top experts in the fight against climate change,” said North Sea minister Paul Van Tigchelt.

Other European countries such as Denmark have also instituted their own emissions monitoring technology in recent years.