- NGOs push for the Mediterranean to become a NECA following the IMO’s designation of the region as a SECA.
- The health and environmental benefits of reducing NOx emissions are highlighted by experts from various Mediterranean and European NGOs.
- Existing examples of NECAs in other parts of the world demonstrate the effectiveness of stricter NOx emission regulations.
Following the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) designation of the Mediterranean as a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA), NGOs are now urging for it to become a Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control Area (NECA) as well. They believe this move is necessary to protect the health of over 260 million citizens and the marine environment, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Environmental Groups Push for Stricter Nitrogen Oxide Regulations
During the IMO MEPC 79 session, the Mediterranean was officially declared a SECA under MARPOL Annex VI, targeting sulphur oxide emissions.
Recently, other regions like the Norwegian Sea and the Canadian Arctic were also given similar designations, prompting the push for NECA status in the Mediterranean.
There’s an alliance of NGOs from Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece, alongside international groups like NABU from Germany. They are advocating for the Mediterranean to receive NECA status. They are also addressing the serious issue of NOx emissions from shipping.
Health and Ecosystem Benefits Drive NECA Proposal for the Mediterranean
The health benefits of reducing NOx emissions are clear, according to Sönke Diesener from NABU. He notes that cleaner ship exhaust could help prevent respiratory diseases and premature deaths.
The push for NECA status is supported by the belief that the benefits far outweigh the costs to shipping companies.
The Mediterranean could join the ranks of other NECAs under MARPOL Annex VI. It already enforces stricter limits on NOx emissions in various regions. Such as North America, the Caribbean, the Baltic Sea, and the North Sea.
France’s Key Role in Mediterranean SECA and Future NECA Efforts
France played a pivotal role in establishing SECA status for the Mediterranean. Experts like Jean-Philippe Hermine from the Institut Mobilités en Transition hope that France will continue to support efforts for NECA designation.
Ports are a major source of pollution, according to Dídac Navarro, an environmental activist from Spain.
He emphasized that stricter regulations on ship emissions will lead to cleaner air in coastal areas, benefitting millions of people.
NECAs: A Global Standard for Reducing Ship Emissions
NECAs are already in place in several key maritime regions, with strict limits on nitrogen oxide emissions from ships.
These areas have seen substantial improvements in air quality, encouraging similar initiatives for the Mediterranean.
Maria Papathanasiou from the Hellenic Ornithological Society pointed out that reducing ship emissions is critical for both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. She stressed the need for immediate action to declare the Mediterranean as both a SECA and NECA.
While shipping is essential to the economies of Mediterranean nations, the use of dirty fuels and outdated exhaust technology continues to pose a threat to both human health and the environment.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: SAFETY4SEA
