EMEA News
MEPC 70 Agrees on Expanded NOx ECA
The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) has welcomed a decision by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Maritime Environmental Protection Committee at its 70th session (MEPC 70) last week, that agreed to support the designation of a North Sea and Baltic Sea nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission control area (ECA), or NECA.
As Ship & Bunker previously reported, HELCOM countries of both Baltic Sea and North Sea areas had put forth parallel applications for a NECA to the IMO.
"This would not have happened if we hadn't worked together and developed a robust, scientifically based and comprehensive application," said Anna Petersson, Chair of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group.
Upon final confirmation of the decision for each region, expected at MEPC's 71st session (MEPC 71) set for May 2017, a NOx ECA will be created for new ships built in or after 2021.
"This is a remarkable moment. The Baltic Sea countries and EU have collectively arrived to the goal of establishing a Baltic Sea NECA, proving an undeniable success in joint cooperation. Even better, we did this together with the North Sea which multiplies the benefits for the Baltic Sea," said Anita Mäkinen on behalf of Finland.
HELCOM says that the Baltic and North Sea NOx ECAs are expected to result in an annual NOx load reductions that will amount to 22,000 tonnes in two decades.
"This is a good example of how the close cooperation between the Baltic and North Seas can help us achieve something bigger than what would be possible in one region alone," said Ditte Kristensen on behalf of Denmark.
As Ship & Bunker previously reported, the Swedish Government has said it will investigate the impacts that a NOx ECA in the Baltic and North Seas will have on the country's industry.
