Sustainable Shipping and Environment of the Baltic Sea region (SHEBA)

Research Project, 2015 – 2018

SHEBA will analyse the drivers for shipping, obtain the present and future traffic volumes and calculate a set of scenarios which will then feed into calculations of emissions to water, to air, and of underwater noise using and extending the currently most advanced emission model based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship movement data. Atmospheric, oceanic and noise propagation models in combination with ecotoxicology studies will then be used to assess spatio-temporal distributions, fates and effects of these stressors in the Baltic Sea region. The project will assess the impact of different pollutants to the water quality indicators of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Water Framework Directive and to the air quality indicators. Further, the project will provide an integrated assessment of policy options to mitigate pressures linked to shipping, quantifying as far as possible anticipated changes in ecosystem services compared to an established baseline. This will include an analysis of trade-offs between options as well as synergies, and the marginal changes in costs and benefits of options to reduce environmental pressures from shipping and support the achievement of Good Environmental Status as prescribed by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. SHEBA is supported by a wide group of stakeholders, including harbours, shipping industry and authorities, who will be consulted about the input of data, feedback and results of the project.