IMO Designates Canadian Arctic & Norwegian Sea As New Emission Control Areas

Marine life — Image for representation purposes only

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted major amendments to MARPOL Annex VI during the 82nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 82), which occurred from September 30 to October 4, 2024.

The amendments designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECAs), imposing stricter limitations on NOx, SOx, and PM emissions from vessels operating in these areas.

The new regulations, which will take effect on March 1, 2026, will require ships in these ECAs to comply with reduced emissions limitations to reduce shipping’s negative impact on air quality and marine ecosystems.

Ships in these areas must use fuels with a sulfur level of no more than 0.10% m/m or use similar emission-reduction technology.

Additionally, vessels built after a specific date must fulfil the NOx Tier III standards in Regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI.

The Canadian Arctic ECA will cover all Arctic waters under Canadian jurisdiction, from the 137th meridian west in the Beaufort Sea to the North American ECA boundary in the east.

The Norwegian Sea ECA, on the other hand, covers the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone north of 62 degrees latitude, including Norwegian fjords and coastal seas.

Emission Control Areas are established to reduce air pollution by imposing stricter emissions regulations in specific regions. Ships operating in ECAs must limit the release of pollutants such as:

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) contribute to air pollution and respiratory problems.
Sulfur oxides (SOx) contribute to acid rain and adversely affect health.
Particulate Matter (PM) is a small particle that can cause major health problems if inhaled.

These new ECAs are intended to address the environmental challenges posed by shipping, which remains a major cause of air pollution.

The IMO’s goal in cutting emissions is to improve air quality and conserve marine ecosystems in regions at risk.

The IMO has also designated the Nusa Penida and Gili Matra Islands in the Lombok Strait as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs).

Recognizing the region’s incredible biodiversity and cultural importance, the MEPC 82 resolution addresses the growing concerns posed by international shipping traffic in the strait, which is an important route for world trade.

Reference: Bimco

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