IMO designates the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area, requiring lower sulphur fuels from May 2025.
In a significant move aimed at reducing emissions and improving air quality, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has officially designated the Mediterranean Sea as an Emission Control Area (ECA), effective May 1, 2025. This new regulation will require all vessels operating in the region to use marine fuel with a sulphur content of 0.1%, a substantial reduction from the current 0.5% sulphur content allowed in Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO).
The change is part of the IMO’s ongoing efforts to curb marine pollution and align with global environmental sustainability goals. The Mediterranean Sea, a crucial route for international maritime trade, is now subject to stricter emissions standards, reflecting the IMO’s commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of shipping. The new fuel requirement aims to drastically lower sulphur emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier ecosystem in the region.
