Ship tracks, the polluted marine clouds that trail ocean-crossing vessels, are a signature of modern trade. In 2020, satellite observations showed fewer of those pollution fingerprints.
Drawing on nearly two decades of satellite imagery, researchers found that the number of ship tracks fell significantly after a new fuel regulation went into effect. A global standard implemented in 2020 by the IMO, requiring an 86% reduction in fuel sulphur content – likely reduced ship track formation.
