Assessing the impact of emission control areas policy on ship emissions in the Gulf of Thailand using AIS data

Abstract

The rising concern over ship emissions has prompted the exploration of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) in various regions. This study provides a comparative analysis of ship emissions in non-ECA areas and offers insights for implementing ECA policies in the Gulf of Thailand. Utilizing Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from January 1 to 31, 2023, this study models ship emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM). Spatial analysis reveals critical emission hotspots associated with ship density, port locations, and major shipping lanes, identifying oil tankers as primary emitters. A comparative analysis with existing ECAs demonstrates that implementing an ECA in the Gulf of Thailand could substantially reduce emissions. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, including strategies like adopting low-sulfur fuels, optimizing shipping routes, and incentivizing cleaner technologies. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of addressing economic challenges and ensuring comprehensive data collection to capture seasonal and demand-driven emission variations.