EMEA News
HELCOM: Baltic Sea NOx ECA Application Submitted to IMO
After having submitted its application as agreed to at its Heads of Delegation meeting in Laulasmaa, Estonia last week, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) Friday said the final decision on the implementation of a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission control area (ECA), or NECA, in the Baltic Sea now lies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
As Ship & Bunker had previously reported, countries of both Baltic Sea and North Sea areas had said they intended to put forth parallel applications for a NECA to the IMO by July 1, 2016.
"For the industry this will be useful as the two neighboring NECA areas will create an area with identical requirements," explained HELCOM.
"According to estimates, Baltic Sea NECA has potential to reduce the annual nitrogen input cost-efficiently and significantly – around 7 kilotons – to the Baltic Sea," the organisation added.
Further, HELCOM says it will continue to support and analyse the impact of advanced technologies, including those utilised in the establishment of a Baltic NECA.
HELCOM says that its Heads of Delegation meeting also saw the approval of two guidelines related to maritime spatial planning (MSP): Guidelines on transboundary consultations, public participation and co-operation, as well as the implementation of ecosystem-based approach in MSP in the Baltic Sea area.
In March, Ship & Bunker reported that HELCOM had agreed to a roadmap, which included the proposal for a NECA for the Baltic Sea, set for submission to the IMO at the Marine Environment Protection Committee's (MEPC's) 70th session in October.
