- World’s Largest Shipping ECA Set for North-East Atlantic in 2027.
- Denmark and EU Advance IMO Net Zero Framework at MEPC ES.2.
- New ECA to Cut Shipping Emissions, Protect Marine Habitats.
Denmark is taking the lead in the EU’s efforts during MEPC ES.2, pushing for the establishment of the world’s largest Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic, aimed at drastically cutting down shipping emissions, reports Safety4Sea.
Critical Days for Global Shipping Climate Regulation
Brian Wessel, the Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority, emphasised that the upcoming days are pivotal for shaping global climate regulations in the shipping industry. Denmark, alongside the EU, has been actively advocating for the IMO Net Zero Framework, although the final negotiations are anticipated to be tough. A significant component of the proposed package is the creation of the North-East Atlantic ECA.
Scope and Coverage of the New ECA
At the 83rd session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) held in April, member states reached an agreement to establish this ECA, which is set to take effect in 2027. The area will stretch from the coasts of Portugal, Spain, and France, through the British Isles, all the way up to Iceland and Greenland. The proposed ECA will cover:
- Over 1,500 marine protected areas (10% of the zone)
- 17 key marine mammal habitats (16% of the area)
- 17% of the region within the IMO-designated Western European Waters Particularly Sensitive Sea Area
Denmark, along with several other nations, has been instrumental in rallying support for this initiative.
Environmental and Health Benefits
This new ECA aims to cut emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, and black carbon from shipping activities, leading to better air quality and significant climate benefits. Major port cities within the zone, such as Lisbon, Porto, Bilbao, Liverpool, and Dublin, are among the most densely populated in Europe and are particularly susceptible to air pollution caused by shipping.
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Source: Safety4Sea
