A comprehensive study commissioned by IMO to assist in the planned revision of regulations governing air pollution from ships has been successfully completed. The informal cross government/industry scientific group of experts was set up, in July 2007, by IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos following approval by the Organization's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). It was tasked with reviewing the impact on the environment, on human health and on the shipping and petroleum industries, of applying any of the fuel options proposed to reduce SOx and particulate matter generated by shipping, as well as the consequential impact such fuel options could have on other emissions, including CO2 emissions from ships and refineries.