"The filters captured 99 percent of sulfur oxides emitted by the ferry's four engines, as well as 99.9 percent of particulate matter created from the burning of its heavy fuel," the company claimed."We didn't have to look too far. We didn't invent anything," said Christophe Seguinot, the company's technical director. "The challenge for us was to make it suitable for a marine setting.
The dense plumes of filthy brown smoke observed above most ships are caused by heavy fuel oil, often known as bunker fuel, one of the least expensive but most polluting forms of transportation fuel. It also contains a lot of sulfur, which can lead to respiratory issues and acid rain. Meanwhile, some companies are developing electric and sail-powered ships, and others are testing cleaner liquefied natural gas or methanol-powered engines to overcomeRegulators and tightening industry standards are putting pressure on shipping companies to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gasses and pollutants into the atmosphere, but environmental campaigners want faster action.