New Mediterranean Emission Control Area: Guidelines for Bermuda-registered ships

Eda Zenic -

The Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority has published Merchant Shipping Information Notice 2024-02 to inform ship owners, managers, and masters of Bermuda-registered vessels, as well as Bermuda Recognised Organisations, about the establishment of a new Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area (ECA) for Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Particulate Matter.

This ECA has been formally adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through resolution MEPC. 361(79), and aims to control and reduce air pollution from ships operating within the specified Mediterranean region.

Purpose:
The primary goal of the notice is to inform stakeholders of Bermuda-flagged vessels about the new environmental regulations that will apply in the Mediterranean Sea. These regulations are designed to limit the emissions of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and particulate matter from ships, thereby reducing air pollution and its negative environmental and health impacts.

Geographic Boundaries of the Mediterranean ECA:
The Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area includes all waters enclosed by the coasts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The specific boundary points are defined as:

  • Western boundary: The western entrance to the Straits of Gibraltar, marked by a line between Cape Trafalgar, Spain (36°11'.00 N, 6°02'.00 W) and Cape Spartel, Morocco (35°48'.00 N, 5°55'.00 W).
  • Eastern boundary: The Strait of Canakkale (Dardanelles) with a line connecting Mehmetcik Burnu (40°03'N, 26°11'E) and Kumkale Burnu (40°01'.00 N, 26°12'.00 E).
  • Southern boundary: The northern entrance to the Suez Canal, except for a specific area enclosed by coordinates in the Suez Canal region.
  • Regulatory Exemptions and Compliance Deadline:
    According to Regulation 14.7 of MARPOL Annex VI, ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea ECA are exempt from some of the stricter fuel sulfur content limits (found in paragraphs 4 and 6 of Regulation 14) and certain related requirements (in paragraph 5) until May 1, 2025. After this date, ships will be required to comply fully with these emissions limits.

This transitional period is designed to allow shipping companies time to prepare for compliance by installing the necessary technologies or switching to lower sulfur fuels, ensuring smoother enforcement of the ECA regulations in the Mediterranean region.