Environment and Energy

IMO Adopts World's Largest Emission Control Area and Other Issues at MPEC

The International Maritime Organization adopted the North-East Atlantic Control Area (ECA), the world's largest emission control area, spanning from Greenland to Portugal with entry into force on September 1, 2027, and taking effect in 2028. The measure introduces stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter, requiring ships to use fuel with no more than 0.10 percent sulfur content. MPEC also adopted strategies on marine plastic litter, a mandatory code for transporting plastic pellets, amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, and extended the experience-building phase for underwater radiated noise reduction to the end of 2028.