New Emission Control Areas (ECAs) for the control of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx), and Particulate Matter (PM).: Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea

Subject: Entry in to force of amendments to MARPOL Annex VI - Resolution MEPC.392(82)

 1. OVERVIEW 
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), at its 82nd session in October 2024, adopted Resolution MEPC.392(82). These amendments to MARPOL Annex VI formally designate the Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea as Emission Control Areas (ECAs) for the control of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Oxides (SOx), and Particulate Matter (PM).

While the amendments formally enter into force on 1 March 2026, the implementation of technical requirements follows a phased approach depending on the pollutant and the vessel’s construction dates. 

2. COMPLIANCE TIMELINE & TECHNICAL CRITERIA 
A. Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) 

• Effective Date: Mandatory compliance from 1 March 2027. 
In accordance with MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14.7, a 12-month grace period from the entry into force of the amendments (i.e. 1 March 2026) applies to newly designated ECAs to allow for logistical adjustments in fuel supply. 

• Requirement: The sulphur content of fuel oil used on board ships, operating within either the Canadian Arctic ECA or Norwegian Sea ECA, shall not exceed 0.10% m/m unless an approved equivalent arrangement is used (e.g. Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS)). 

B. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) – Tier III Standards 
Marine diesel engines with a power output of more than 130 kW installed on a ship must comply with Tier III emission limits when operating in these areas based on the following construction criteria:

(1) The Norwegian Sea ECA makes use of a ʺthree dates criterionʺ (building contract, keel laid and delivery date) which differs from the application format used in other NOx ECAs. This approach aims to ensure more effective implementation of Tier III NOx requirements. Consequently, the new requirements apply to ships delivered on or after 1 March 2030, regardless of keel-laying date. 

3. IAPP CERTIFICATE 
A. Revision of the form of the Supplement to the IAPP Certificate

To facilitate the verification of compliance for the Norwegian Sea NOx ECA, Resolution MEPC.392(82) introduces changes to the Supplement to the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate. Specifically, Section 1.3 now mandates explicit entry of three dates: Contract Date, Keel Laying Date, and Delivery Date 

B. Re-issuance of IAPP Certificate & supplement 
In accordance with the provisions in paragraph 3.1 of the Guidance provided in MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.6, re-issuance of the existing IAPP certificates and their supplements for NOx emission compliance, after entry into force of the amendments, would not be necessary unless ships are intended to operate in or enter in a SOx ECAs on or after their effective dates for which the compliance shall be verified and recorded, as appropriate. 

Ship owners and managers are invited to take all appropriate actions to ensure compliance with the revised requirements, including: 
• Use of compliant fuels (≤0.10% m/m sulphur content); 
• Certification of marine diesel engines for Tier III NOx compliance (as applicable); 
• Implementation of proper fuel changeover procedures