ECA

An Emission Control Area (ECA) is a sea area where MARPOL Annex VI sets stricter SOx, NOx, or particulate limits than the global standard. SOx ECAs cap fuel sulphur at 0.10% m/m under Regulation 14.4, against the 0.50% global limit. NOx ECAs apply Tier III engine limits under Regulation 13 to newer ships. Designated areas are the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the North American area, the United States Caribbean Sea area, and the Mediterranean Sea (SOx, enforced from 1 May 2025 under MEPC.361(79)). Each designation is adopted by an MEPC resolution amending Annex VI.