The latest environmental technology, mapping of shipping’s environmental challenges and alignment of Danish and international legislation are some of the focus areas that will contribute to improved air quality in Denmark and internationally.

These are the main points of a new Action Plan for Cleaner Shipping that Minister for the Environment Troels Lund Poulsen has published in April 2009. The plan is the result of a partnership between the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and Danish Shipowners' Association. The action plan aims to uphold and further develop Denmark’s leading international position in reducing air pollution from ships.

The Action Plan for Cleaner Shipping is part of the government’s ‘Clean Air for All’ strategy. The plan has 10 key areas split into three focus areas: mapping of air pollution from shipping; developing environmental technology aimed at reducing emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and particles from shipping; and contributing to Danish and international legislation in the area.