Off gas treatment in process industry, tank storage and transportation is an important area from environmental perspective and in view of the need of reduction of GHG emissions. In particular in the field of tank storage and tank-based transportation (chemicals and fuels) there is a growing focus on reduction of emissions. For stationary facilities these off gas streams originate from ‘breathing’ of tanks, cleaning for maintenance and loading/unloading. For mobile facilities (shipping, road transportation) these emissions originate from tank degassing in view of change of load or from cleaning for maintenance.

Uncontrolled emissions of product vapors into the atmosphere from shipping are a long existing problem in urban and rural areas. In particular in the field of ship tank degassing the level of regulation and control has developed strongly in recent years, this both at national and at European level. With the new attestation of unloading for tanker shipping, i.e. a banning of venting for inland waterway vessels a significant next step will become reality. From 1 July 2024 and 1 October 2024 onwards (for The Netherlands and the countries Germany, Belgium, France, Luxemburg and Switzerland, respectively) a ban on uncontrolled venting will be introduced.

Developers, Manufacturers and Service Providers in the field of vapor and odor processing, have combined forces in the “European Vapor Reduction Association” (EVRA).

EVRA is a joint initiative of European Service Providers in the field of degassing and emission reduction. It serves as a platform where members share knowledge, interpret developments and reinforce each other. In addition, EVRA takes position as focal point for the industry in discussions with regional, national and European governments and businesses to advise on regulations, standards and network development.