Atmospheric Emissions - Offshore Cargo Loading
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| Key Legislation and Guidance |
None for VOC emissions from offshore loading.
Note: VOC emissions from cargo loading at onshore terminals are likely to be covered by the terminal's IPPC permit (see IPPC). |
| Supporting Legislation |
- EC Directive 2001/81/EC on National Emission Ceilings for Certain Atmospheric Pollutants
These Regulations set national ceilings and a requirement for the development of a reduction programme for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the UK. These Regulations apply to emissions from land, territorial sea and the UKCS.
At present, the UK government believes that it can meet targets through existing targets onshore. However, this does not preclude future targets for offshore operations.
- EC Directive 2003/87/EC Establishing a Scheme for Greenhouse Gas Emission Allowance Trading
Offshore installations will come within the scope of the mandatory EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The mandatory EU ETS currently only includes carbon dioxide and does not currently apply to VOC emissions from cargo loading. |
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| Consent Needed |
As this area is currently unregulated there is no exemption/licence/consent required. |
| How to Apply |
Not Applicable |
| Who to Apply to |
Not Applicable |
| When to Apply |
Not Applicable |
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| Limits placed on VOC emissions |
This area of offshore environmental performance is currently unregulated.
However, the Oil & Gas UK ‘Guidelines for Reducing Atmospheric Emissions from Oil and Gas Facilities’ under “Publications” at Oil & Gas UK give voluntary guidance for both new designs and existing operations for reducing losses to air from the loading/offloading of crude oil. These establish voluntary best industry practice. |
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| Crude loading and VOC emissions |
Although there is no statutory requirement to report, Oil & Gas UK has made a commitment to DECC that it will report annually on the offshore industry’s atmospheric emissions. VOC emissions from crude storage, loading and offloading are included. Therefore, the amount of crude oil that is stored, loaded and offloaded must be recorded if atmospheric emissions are to be calculated. Guidance on calculating emissions is given in the Oil & Gas UK ‘Guidelines for Reducing Atmospheric Emissions from Oil and Gas Facilities’ under “Publications” at Oil & Gas UK .
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| What to Report |
Complete relevant parts of atmospheric emissions inventory EEMS pro forma that can be obtained from the EEMS Website. |
| Who to Report to |
Completed reports are submitted electronically to the EEMS website. |
| When to Report |
Annually before 7th February. |
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| EU Emissions Trading Scheme |
Council Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community was published in October 2003 and will come into force in January 2005. The scheme currently only covers power generation activities. The EU Emissions Trading Directive covers the six greenhouse gasses that are included in the Kyoto Protocol. However, for the first phase of the EU ETS (January 2005 to December 2007 inclusive) the scheme will only cover CO2. The scheme may be expanded in future phases to the other greenhouse gases. |
| Directive on Volatile Organic Compounds |
The European Commission has undertaken a study to assess the quantity and impact of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in Europe, and possible cost-effective measures. The conclusion of the study was that the cost of mitigation of VOC emissions offshore was high and onshore mitigation offered greater reduction opportunities at less cost. |
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