Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea New Emission Control Areas

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted major amendments to MARPOL Annex VI - the international treaty addressing air pollution prevention requirements from ships - 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 nitrogen (NOx) and sulfur oxides, and particle pollution 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.

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