New Annex VI to Marpol - Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

Based on the criteria for establishing SOX Emission Control Areas (ECAs) as contained in Annex VI, it was agreed that the Baltic Sea area should be as established as a SOX ECA.

Ships operating in the Baltic Sea after the entry into force of Annex VI must meet the reduced sulphur content requirements, 1.5% m/m. Ships operating in any other SOX ECA established by an amendment to the Annex VI have 12 months to achieve compliance after the entry into force of Annex VI or an amendment thereto.

In conjunction with the significant effort and billions of dollars allocated to the reduction of Europe’

s acidification from automobiles and factories, several European States submitted to the Conference information supporting that the North Sea should also be established as a SOX ECA. There was significant debate as to the beneficial effect this would have on Europe. Since 2/3 majority agreement could not be reached and recognizing the environmental benefits afforded in other parts of Annex VI and so as not to delay adoption of the new Annex VI, it was agreed that for the time being the North Sea would not be considered as a SOX ECA. However, contracting States to the 1997 Protocol can take the necessary steps to satisfy Parties to MARPOL 73/78 that the North Sea meets the conditions required for a SOX ECA.

If Parties were to agree, then upon entry into force of the Annex VI, the North Sea could be added to the Baltic Sea as a SOX ECA. The assessment includes an evaluation of the adverse impact of SOX emission on associated land and sea with information on meteorological conditions, ship traffic patterns and density, and economic impact on internationally trading ships which may be effected by the proposed ECA. MEPC41 will begin in March 1998 its evaluation of the information submitted in support of the North Sea being considered as an ECA.