Buan Coast Guard's Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Emissions of Air Pollutants

Comprehensive Inspection Launched on Ship Fuel Oil 'Sulfur Content' and More

Buan Maritime Police Station (Chief Seong Giju) announced on the 8th that, with the implementation of the 5th 'Seasonal Fine Dust Management System,' it will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the sulfur content in fuel oil used by vessels operating within the jurisdiction, including Buan and Gochang, until March next year to reduce ultrafine dust.

According to the Maritime Police, the Seasonal Fine Dust Management System is a policy to strengthen fine dust reduction measures from December to March, when high concentrations of fine dust frequently occur, compared to normal periods. This system is implemented to mitigate the frequency and intensity of fine dust occurrences and to protect public health.

Front view of Buan Maritime Police Station.

The sulfur content in the fuel used by ships is identified as a major cause of air pollutants such as greenhouse gases and fine dust.

This comprehensive inspection will focus on ▲ compliance with sulfur content standards in fuel oil used by vessels operating within the jurisdiction ▲ storage of fuel oil samples ▲ illegal incineration at ships and ports/harbors ▲ and illegal emission of soot and other air pollutants.

Choi Jonghyun, Director of the Marine Pollution Prevention Division, stated, "Since fine dust generated in winter adversely affects the respiratory health of the public, we ask maritime workers themselves to reduce fine dust and continuously pay attention and cooperate to create a clean marine environment."

Meanwhile, the domestic sulfur content standards for ships are set at 0.05% or less for diesel and 0.5% or less for heavy oil. Using non-compliant fuel oil on ships is punishable by up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won under the Special Act on Improvement of Air Quality in Port Areas and related regulations.