ECA (Emission Control Area)

Abbreviation: ECA

MARPOL Annex VI designated sea area with stricter sulphur + NOx limits than the global cap.

Quick facts

Global sulphur cap: 0.50% (2020)
ECA sulphur: 0.10%

In practice

Master + Chief Engineer switch to compliant fuel on entering ECA + log the switch in the Oil Record Book. Non-compliance triggers PSC detention + potential prosecution in some ECAs.

Regulatory detail & full definition

ECAs are sea areas designated under MARPOL Annex VI where stricter air-pollution limits apply than the global cap. SECA (Sulphur ECA) sets 0.10% max fuel sulphur inside the ECA (vs 0.50% global). NECA (NOx ECA) sets Tier III NOx limits for engines on ships built 2016 or later inside the ECA. Current SECAs + NECAs: Baltic Sea, North Sea, North American, US Caribbean. Mediterranean SECA in force May 2025.

Authoritative source: IMO — Air Pollution + ECA ↗

MARPOL Annex VI

Source: MARPOL Annex VI

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ECA (Emission Control Area)

Quick facts

In practice

Related

ECA (Emission Control Area)

Quick facts

In practice

Related