(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) As global efforts to reduce air pollution and combat climate change intensify, new maritime regulations are shaping the shipping industry's environmental responsibilities. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced amendments to
Mediterranean Sea becomes a SOx ECA from 1 May 2025
From this date, amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14.3.5, as amended by IMO Resolution MEPC.361(79), will prohibit ships operating within the Mediterranean Sea ECA from using fuel oils with a sulphur content exceeding 0.10% m/m unless an approved equivalent arrangement is used such as Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.
Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea become NOx ECAs from 1 March 2026
From this date, in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI Regulations 13, as amended by IMO Resolution MEPC.392(82), ships operating in either the Canadian Arctic ECA or Norwegian Sea ECA with a marine diesel engine with power output of more than 130kW are required to be certified to the NOx Technical Code 2008 to meet the NOx Tier III standard, as follows:
- For the Canadian Arctic ECA, ships with keels laid or at a similar stage of
construction on or after 1 January 2025. - For the Norwegian Sea ECA:
- Ships with a building contract placed on or after 1 March 2026
- In absence of a building contract, ships with keels laid or at a similar
stage of construction on or after 1 September 2026; or - The delivery is on or after 1 March 2030
Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea become SOx ECAs from 1 March 2027
From this date, amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Regulations 14.3.6 and 14.3.7, as amended by IMO Resolution MEPC.392(82), will prohibit ships operating within either the Canadian Arctic ECA or Norwegian Sea ECA from using fuel oils with a sulphur content exceeding 0.10% m/m unless an approved equivalent arrangement is used such as Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems.
LR advises that ship owners and ship operators are aware of three new Emissions Control Areas (ECAs) for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).
Ships operating in or entering the new SOx ECAs on or after their effective dates, will need to have on board sufficient compliant fuel oil (0.10% m/m maximum sulphur content) and bring it into use as required, or have installed and operate an approved alternative compliance mechanism, such as an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System.
Ships entering the new SOx ECAs before these dates, which intend to stay in them after the relevant ECA enters effect, will need to ensure that compliant fuel oil is brought into use no later than 00:00 hrs on the effective date. Lloyd’s Register recommends that this fuel change-over is recorded in the same way as if the ship was entering an ECA.
Existing ECAs
The existing NOx and SOx ECAs are as follows:
- North American area
- United States Caribbean Sea area
- Baltic Sea area, and
- North Sea area
With the introduction of these new Emissions Control Areas (ECAs), shipowners, operators, and managers must take proactive steps to ensure compliance with the updated MARPOL Annex VI regulations. Vessels operating in these regions will need to transition to low-sulphur fuels, implement exhaust gas cleaning systems, or meet the stringent NOx Tier III standards, depending on their operating areas. Failure to comply could result in penalties, operational disruptions, and environmental liabilities. As the effective dates approach, early preparation—including fuel transition planning, technical modifications, and regulatory certification—will be critical to maintaining smooth and compliant operations. Shipowners are encouraged to assess their readiness and engage with classification societies and regulatory bodies to ensure a seamless transition into these stricter emissions standards.
Source: LR
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