【Regulation】 MARPOL Annex VI Addition of the Mediterranean Sea Area (Regulations Will Commence Soon)

At the IMO MEPC79 held in December 2022, an amendment was adopted to designate the Mediterranean Sea as a new Emission Control Area (ECA), and Resolution MEPC.361(79) was issued.

This amendment came into effect on May 1, 2024. However, regarding the ECA regulations for SOx and PM in the Mediterranean, the regulations will commence on May 1, 2025, following a 12-month exemption period after the amendment's effective date. We would like to inform you of this update.

1. Newly Designated ECA Areas

The definition of the designated areas will be added to Appendix VII of Annex VI.

The specific regulated areas are defined by the following coordinates:

a) The western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, defined by a line connecting Cape Trafalgar in Spain (latitude 36°11'N, longitude 6°02'W) and Cape Spartel in Morocco (latitude 35°48'N, longitude 5°55'W).

b) The Çanakkale Strait, defined by a line connecting Cape Mehmetçik (latitude 40°03'N, longitude 26°11'E) and Cape Kumkale (latitude 40°01'N, longitude 26°12'E).

c) The northern entrance to the Suez Canal, excluding the area enclosed by the coordinates specified in Appendix VII.4.3 of Annex VI."

2. Points to Note

As with the previous implementation of low-sulfur regulations, there are no equipment requirements for fuel oil switching methods. However, it is necessary to have a procedure manual on board that outlines the switching procedures. We recommend that you review and update the procedure manual to consider entry into the Mediterranean, and ensure that entries are made in the ship's logbook and record book.

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