The Influence of Sulphur Directive on the Ferry Market. Świnoujście-Ystad/ Trelleborg Ferry Lines -a Case Study

Transport is a sector of economy that largely contributes to the growth of global pollution. A vast majority of harmful substances emitted as a result of transport activities comes from the road transport means. However, maritime transport, due to high sulphur level in the maritime fuel oil, is mainly responsible for the emission of sulphur oxides. In January 2015 European Union implemented Directive 2012/33/EU requiring a cut in sulphur emissions from vessels, by using low sulphur fuels or installing scrubbers on ships. The implementation of Sulphur Directive has led to an increase in shipowners operating costs and can cause a reduction in sea traffic. The study aims to show how the implementation of the new requirements of the sulphur content in maritime fuel oil in SECA has affected the activities of ferry companies. The research has been based on an analysis of the traffic and freight costs of ferry shipping market in the first half of 2015. The article presents the results of the case study of Świnoujście-Ystad/Trelleborg ferry routes. It demonstrates that the restrictions of sulphur content in maritime fuel oil neither result in a reduction of traffic, nor necessitate reorganization of transport chains