Debate rages over European environmental regulations …

The British Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has criticised shipping companies over their reactions to sulphur emissions limits that come into force in January.

The limits will be in place on both coasts of the USA and Canada as well as in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel, which the RMT are specifically concerned about.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Threats of job and route cuts and fare hikes in the shipping industry make no economic sense when global seatrade is set to double over the next twenty years.”