The global low sulphur requirements of 0.50% by mass (m/m) came into force on 1 January 2020 under the MARPOL convention. However, some areas/regions have implemented separate local legislation with stricter requirements, reports Britannia P&I club.
Experience has shown that new changes to existing legislation in some places can happen with very little notice. Therefore, it is very important that shipowners always show due diligence and liaise closely with their local representative to obtain latest advice and before their ship enters a port state’s territorial waters.
MARPOL Emission Control Areas
There are currently five Emission Control Areas (ECAs) controlling the emissions of Sulphur Oxides (SOX). Control is achieved by capping the sulphur limit of the fuels in use in these areas at 0.10% m/m. These ECAs are the ‘Baltic Sea’, the ‘North Sea’, the ‘North American’, the ‘United States Caribbean Sea’ and the ‘Mediterranean Sea’.
For the Mediterranean Sea, the requirement to use fuel with a 0.10% m/m sulphur content limit will come into force on 1 May 2025, following the 12-month exemption period as per MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 14.7.
Similarly, the new ‘Canadian Arctic Waters’ and the ‘Norwegian Sea’ ECAs will come into force on 1 March 2026, with the fuel sulphur limit becoming enforceable 12 months later.
It is highly recommended to verify the current status with the latest IMO updates or official communications.
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Source: Britannia P&I
