IMO has put out a statement reminding shipowners that vessels operating in the North Sea have just one year to demonstrate compliance with stringent new exhaust emission standards following the entry into force of new air pollution regulations on yesterday.
The North Sea SOx Emission Control Area (SECA) will come into effect on 22 November 2007, one year after the entry into force of related amendments to Annex VI Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78).
In a SECA, the sulphur content of fuel oil used onboard ships must not exceed 1.50% m/m. Alternatively, ships must fit an exhaust gas cleaning system.
The Baltic Sea Area has already been designated as a SOx Emission Control Area under the regulations. The Baltic Sea SECA has been implemented and operational since 19 May this year.