Impact of the Nitrogen Emission Control Area policy on reducing NO2 concentrations in coastal cities: evidence from a spatial difference-in-differences model

Meiyu Shi, Yusheng Zhou, Jihong Chen, Chengkun Liu, Jia Shi, Yang Zhang, Jun Ye and Shanshan Fu

Maritime Policy & Management, 2026, vol. 53, issue 4, 705-730

Abstract: Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is an important air pollutant a major air pollutant emitted by ships . This study investigates the effect of the Nitrogen Emission Control Area (NECA) policy on NO2 concentrations in coastal cities of the United States, employing a spatial difference-in-differences model and NO2 Vertical Column Densities (VCDs). Results show that the NECA policy reduces NO2 VCD by 4.9% in coastal cities and indirectly decreases NO2 levels in adjacent inland areas. A lag effect is evident, with the full impact materialising in the second year post-implementation. The policy’s emission reduction benefits are particularly significant for East Coast coastal cities. The insights derived from this study can offer strategic recommendations for the future management of ship emissions.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1080/03088839.2025.2584122

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