## (2) Control measures on air pollution for ships

Ships have larger transportation capability from the viewpoint of energy efficiency, but these might emit, to a certain extent, quantity of nitrogen oxides (NOx) which is regulated for preventing air pollution from the ships. On the other hand, since ships may navigate anywhere, it is essential to develop and apply international regulations in order to ensure a level playing field in the global market. Taking into the characteristic, Japan amended “the Low concerning Marine Pollution, Etc., and the Prevention of Marine Accidents” in accordance with the amendments to the MARPOL 73/78 in order to enforce domestically the regulations related to the NOx emissions from ships in July 2010. In accordance with these regulations, the NOx emissions from marine engines (diesel engines) are subject to the survey and ships are also subject to

the periodic surveys. In parallel, Japan continues contributing further to ongoing discussions on the issues at the IMO.

In parallel with the development of international regulations, Japan, as one of the world’s leading engine manufacturing countries, has promoted research and development projects including the technical development for exhaust gas after-treatment devices that significantly reduced $ NO_{x} $ emissions and improvements of engine combustion technologies, for environmentally friendly marine diesel engines to contribute to preserving marine environment. As a result, Japan achieved the objective of reducing $ NO_{x} $ emissions by 80%. In future, Japan contributes to the development of relevant guidelines at the IMO, performing tests related to evaluating and authorizing after treatment device for exhaust gas.

## (3) Responding to issues with invasive aquatic species carried by marine ships

Aquatic species and organisms may be transferred via ships' ballast water $ ^{Note} $ or adhering to their hull from their original habitat area to other locations. This concern was expressed as possible negative impact on ecosystems in along with shipping navigation routes. To this end, the IMO adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments in 2004, and the Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species in 2011. The MLIT has actively contributed to the discussions at the IMO for the coming enforcement of the convention and further improvements to guidelines.

## Section 6 Improving living environments by preventing atmospheric and noise pollution

## 1 Policies for environmental issues related to road traffic

## (1) Measures for individual vehicles

## ① Reinforcing exhaust regulations

For exhaust measures of new vehicles, seeking to further reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emitted by vehicles, Japan established the most stringent regulations among global standards (post-new long-term regulation) in 2008, and began its consequent enforcement beginning in October of 2009. In addition, test methods based on uniform domestic standards for special and two-wheeled vehicles were implemented in 2010.

Meanwhile, exhaust measures for in-use vehicles (vehicles already in usage) such as those based on the “Amendment