The Mediterranean Sea will become the world’s fifth Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides on May 1, 2025, as mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This regulation, established during the 79th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee in December 2022, requires vessels to use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10%, significantly lower than the 0.50% limit outside the ECA.
This initiative is expected to have a substantial environmental impact, with projections indicating a 78.7% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions, equating to 8.5 million tonnes less SOx released annually. Additionally, particulate matter emissions are anticipated to decrease by 23.7%. The Mediterranean, which accounts for 20% of global seaborne trade, stands to gain significantly, potentially preventing around 1,100 premature deaths and 2,300 childhood asthma cases each year.
The ECA was developed through collaboration among 21 Mediterranean countries and the European Union, facilitated by UNEP/MAP. This regulation aims to enhance both marine and terrestrial ecosystems by mitigating acidification and improving air quality, which will also boost maritime safety in the region. The Mediterranean joins existing ECAs, including the Baltic Sea and North Sea, with further designations planned for the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea.
