Two new ECAs set to come into effect from next week

The Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea are set to become new emission control areas (ECAs) from 1 March 2026.

IMAGE: Aerial shot of Ice breaker heading in Northeast Passage. Getty Images

The move follows amendments to MARPOL Annex VI adopted by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) in October 2024.

While the ECAs will formally enter into force from next week, the main operational requirement for ships to use fuel with a sulphur cap of 0.1% will apply from 1 March 2027.

The 12-month grace period is intended “to allow for logistical adjustments in fuel supply,” according to an advisory from classification society Bureau Veritas.

The Canadian Arctic ECA will extend the existing North American ECA to include all of Canada’s Arctic waters. The Norwegian Sea ECA will extend the existing North Sea ECA, covering Norwegian waters up to the Russian border.  

The amendments also introduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) Tier III standards for certain new ships operating in the ECAs. Under these rules, marine diesel engines with a power output above 130 kilowatts must meet Tier III emission limits.

In the Canadian Arctic ECA, the NOx Tier III requirements will apply to vessels constructed on or after 1 January 2025. In the Norwegian Sea ECA, NOx Tier III rules will apply to ships depending on their contract and construction timelines, with the requirements extending to ships delivered on or after 1 March 2030.

By Konica Bhatt

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