Which sea is mentioned as becoming a Special Area for passenger ships?

• A. Arctic Ocean
• B. Baltic Sea
• C. North Sea
• D. Mediterranean

Answer: (B)

Special Areas are zones where ships must meet stricter pollution rules because the environment there is especially sensitive. The Baltic Sea has been designated as a Special Area for sewage from ships, including passenger vessels. That means passenger ships must treat their sewage to a higher standard before discharging, or keep it on board to discharge only at port, with discharges conducted at greater distances from shore. The Baltic’s semi-enclosed nature and high regional population make it particularly vulnerable, which is why tighter controls are in place. The other seas listed aren’t the designated Special Area for passenger ships in this context, so the Baltic Sea is the correct reference.