23 January 2013 - the European Commission approved amendments to Finland's state aid scheme on vessel investments improving the level of environmental protection. Following the approval, investment aid may also be granted for the purpose of retrofitting vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems, such as sulphur scrubbers.
"I am delighted that the Commission approved our aid scheme. Investment aid targeted at scrubbers is one instrument that helps us solve the challenges associated with the new sulphur limits. I consider the investment aid to be important since it enables us to increase the level of environmental protection in maritime transport, promote the development of environmental technology together with employment in the field, and help the shipping business adapt to the sulphur rules", Minister of Transport Ms Merja Kyllönen said.
In the 2012 budget negotiations, the Ministry of Transport and Communications proposed an investment aid of EUR 30 million for the retrofitting of existing ships with emission abatement technologies.
