Ferries emit ‘more sulphur pollution than cars’ in several EU capitals
The Guardian World
by Ajit Niranjan Europe environment correspondentMarch 2, 2026
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Fume-belching ferries emit significantly more sulphur pollution than cars in several European Union capitals, according to a recent analysis. Cities like Dublin, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn are among 13 of Europe’s 15 largest port cities where sulphur oxides (SOx) from ferries outpace emissions from road vehicles, contributing to poor air quality. This finding highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations on ferry emissions, as these vessels often rely on high-sulphur fuels and operate frequently in densely populated urban areas.
The data, shared exclusively with the Guardian, reveals that ferries emit up to 10 times more sulphur oxides than cars in some port cities. While ships are subject to emission control regulations under the Sulphur Directive, enforcement varies, and many ferries continue to use cheaper, high-sulphur fuels outside designated emission control areas. This has severe implications for public health, as SOx contributes to respiratory issues and acid rain, which damages ecosystems and infrastructure.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/2/2026