Emission Control Areas (ECAs)

Emission Control Areas (ECAs) are designated maritime zones where stricter regulations are imposed to limit ship emissions of harmful pollutants like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These areas aim to protect the environment and human health by requiring ships to use cleaner fuels or advanced emissions reduction technologies. ECAs typically cover busy or environmentally sensitive regions such as parts of the coasts of North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Ships operating within ECAs must comply with these tighter standards, which can involve higher fuel costs but significantly reduce air pollution and its associated health and ecological impacts.