MARINE INFORMATION NOTE   MIN 429 (M)

Designation of North American Emission Control Area

Notice to all Owners, Ship Operators and managers, Charterers, Masters and Officers of Merchant Ships, Shipbuilders, Ship Repairers, Port Authorities, Engine Manufacturers, Fuel Suppliers, Operators of Fixed and Floating Platforms and Drilling Rigs

This MIN expires 20 May 2013

Click here to download this document (PDF 44.6 KB )

Introduction

1.The purpose of this Marine Information Note is to advise of changes to the revised Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) which entered into force internationally on 1 July 2010.

US Emission Control Area

2.From 1 August 2011, North American waters (both east and west coasts of the US and Canada) became SOx and NOx emission control areas.  The area of the North American ECA includes waters adjacent to the Pacific coast, the Atlantic/Gulf coast and the eight main Hawaiian Islands.  It extends up to 200 nautical miles from coasts of the United States, Canada and the French territories, except that it does not extend into marine areas subject to the sovereignty or jurisdiction of other States.   

3.Full details of the 12 month exemption applicable to the North American emission control area from 1 August 2011 can be found in IMO Resolution MEPC 202(62). Full details of the coordinates for the North America area can be found in IMO Resolution MEPC 190(60).

Background

4.The concept of emission control areas (ECAs) for stringent NOx reductions, similar to those for SOx emission control areas, has been introduced and the revised Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention allows for ECAs to be designated for SOx and particulate emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions, or all three types of emissions from ships.

5.It is recognised that SOx emissions are a function of the sulphur content of fuel.  The current global cap of 4.5 percent sulphur content was reduced to 3.5 percent from 1 January 2012.  With respect to SOx emission control areas, the current cap of 1.5 percent sulphur content was reduced to 1.0 percent from 1 July 2010.

More Information

Environmental Policy
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/08
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Tel:                            +44 (0) 23 8032 9100
Fax:                           +44 (0) 23 8032 9204
e-mail:                        Dangerous.goods@mcga.gov.uk

General Inquiries:       infoline@mcga.gov.uk