NGOs push for nitrogen emission control in the Mediterranean

An alliance of NGOs have called for the establishment of a Nitrogen Emission Control Area (NECA) in the Mediterranean Sea.

PHOTO: A cruise ship in the Port of Gibraltar. Getty Images

The NECA is necessary to curb pollution caused by nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted by the shipping sector, the alliance argues. 

Founded in 2016, the alliance comprises NGOs from the Mediterranean such as Spain, France, Italy, Malta, and Greece, as well as from Germany and Portugal. 

An ECA for sulphur emissions is set to be enforced in the Mediterranean Sea next year.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) announced a 0.10% sulphur cap on vessel emissions last December. This will enter into force in the Mediterranean Sea from 1 May 2025. Once implemented, the Mediterranean will have the same sulphur limit as ECAs in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, North America and the US Caribbean Sea.

By Manjula Nair

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