PNS Newsletter- April Edition

Latest Update:

AS OF 1 MAY 2025, THE ENTIRE MEDITERRANEAN SEA WILL BECOME A DESIGNATED EMISSION CONTROL AREA (ECA) UNDER ANNEX VI FOR SULPHUR OXIDES (SOX) ANDPARTICULATE MATTER (PM).

The Mediterranean ECA includes:

• All coastal waters and islands within the Mediterranean Sea.
• It is bordered by 22 coastal states including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and others.
• The boundaries mirror those already in place for the Annex V Special Area.

Key Provisions:

• Sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships must not exceed 0.10% m/m (mass by mass), much stricter than the global limit of 0.50%.
• Ships are expected to use cleaner fuels or adopt alternative compliance technologies (e.g., scrubbers).
• Applies to all ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea, regardless of flag.

Objectives:

• Reduce harmful air pollutants.
• Improve human health in coastal cities and port areas.
• Contribute to environmental preservation across the Mediterranean Basin.