Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to (a) assess and (b) mitigate the risks that scrubber technology and its waste pose to the UK's coastal areas and marine ecosystem.

The Government has not seen evidence that the use of scrubbing technology would have a significant effect on the marine environment.

All scrubbers must comply with mandatory Guidelines, which were developed by the International Maritime Organization, before they are allowed to become operational. Any wash water discharges are controlled under these IMO Guidelines.

We have asked for more evidence from ship owners and industry associations about the content of wash water, and there are a number of ongoing industry-led studies on the issue. At this stage, we are not aware of any significant issues which have been found, but we will seek further amendments to the IMO Guidelines if it becomes clear that additional controls are needed.