GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
Maritime Emission Control Areas (ECA) Compliance
Keeping vessels compliant within Emission Control Areas (ECAs) is an operational constant for carriers on affected routes.
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Source: https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/Pages/Sulphur-oxides-(SOx)-–-Regulation-14.aspx
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Definition & Explanation
Keeping vessels compliant within Emission Control Areas (ECAs) is an operational constant for carriers on affected routes. Inside these zones, MARPOL Annex VI caps the sulphur content of marine fuel at 0.1 % – far stricter than the 0.5 % global limit that applies outside them. Operators meet this requirement by bunkering Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), fitting exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers), or running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Baltic Sea, North Sea, and North American coastal waters are among the main ECAs in operation. Port state control authorities verify compliance through bunker delivery notes and official log entries; violations can result in vessel detention and fines.
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