What is latest about ECA ?

Answer

1. Mediterranean Sea SOx​ ECA (Med ECA)

• Scope: Covers SOx​ and Particulate Matter (PM).

• Status: Entered into force on May 1, 2024, with full enforcement of the 0.10% m/m sulfur cap starting May 1, 2025.

• Impact: Ships entering the Mediterranean must run on fuel with ≤0.10% sulfur (e.g., MGO/ULSFO) or operate an approved Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS / Scrubber) in closed-loop mode where local port washwater restrictions apply.

2. Canadian Arctic ECA & Norwegian Sea ECA

• Scope: Covers both NOx​ (Tier III) and SOx​/PM.

• Entry into Force: Amendments officially entered into force on March 1, 2026.

• NOx​ Enforcement (Tier III):

  • Applies to engines >130 kW.

  • Canadian Arctic: Required for ships with keel laying on or after January 1, 2025.

  • Norwegian Sea: Required for ships with building contracts placed on or after March 1, 2026 (or keel laid on/after September 1, 2026).

• SOx​/PM Enforcement (0.10% Fuel):

  • Following the standard 12-month grace period, the 0.10% m/m fuel sulfur limit becomes mandatory on March 1, 2027.

3. North-East Atlantic Ocean ECA (NE Atlantic ECA)

• Adopted: MEPC 84.

• Entry into Force: September 1, 2027.

• SOx​ Limit: 0.10% sulfur mandatory from September 1, 2028 (after 1-year grace period).

• NOx​ Tier III: Applies to ships with building contracts placed on or after January 1, 2027 (or keel laid on/after July 1, 2027.