A small plane flown by the Belgian coast guard service has been equipped with atmospheric pollution sensors, developed to detect two kinds of emissions: sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Flying above shipping lanes, the plane can assess the levels of emissions coming from around 15 ships per hour. Any vessel thought to be exceeding emissions levels will be re-tested in port and, if the findings are confirmed, could be fined.

Image: Tadeu Jr, Unsplash