Environmental monitoring

Water and sediment

Water quality is key to ensuring marine biodiversity within our port. Ports of Jersey ensures through compliance with the Pollution (Jersey) Law 2000, that its activities do not pollute the marine environment and takes action where possible to use alternative products that are non-toxic and recognised for their low or no impact.

Ports of Jersey also monitors and works with Government of Jersey’s Department for Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) to manage and/or mitigate activities of its stakeholders in relation to water pollution.

Ports of Jersey and the Government of Jersey are also working together to undertake monitoring of the harbour and marina areas to gather baseline data on water and sediment quality.

The water results are compared against UK and EU chemical standards and the sediment is compared against Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Action Level standards developed in the UK for the licensing of dredging activities.

Air

In terms of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions, shipping is considered one of the most efficient modes of transport. However, it also represents a substantial source of GHG emissions.

Globally, air pollution from shipping is regulated by the IMO through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Annex VI of MARPOL entered into force in 2005, with, among other things, the aim of minimising airborne emissions from ships.

The most recent study by the International Maritime organisation (IMO) estimates that international shipping accounted for 2.2% of global CO₂ emissions in 2012. This is equivalent to the total emissions of Germany, the world’s 4th biggest economy. If no further action is taken, then a prediction from the IMO suggests CO₂ emissions from international shipping could grow by between 50% and 250% by 2050

Ports of Jersey will be establishing air quality monitoring stations around the port to gather baseline data. We are exploring the most suitable approach and engaging with Government of Jersey and other organisations.  Once we have the baseline data it will be evaluated against recognised standards.