Strict implementation of cleaner maritime fuel regulations in the Mediterranean to establish a low-emissions zone.
Setting Sail for Cleaner Skies
Cruise around the Mediterranean now sails a greener course, as vessels traversing this popular waterway are required to use fuel with a reduced sulphur content. This change results from an agreement inked by the International Maritime Organisation in June 2022, which established a Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter Emission Control Area (SECA) across the entire Mediterranean.
The ocean's new rules call for ships to burn fuel with a sulphur content of 0.10 percent — a significant drop from the previous standard of 0.50 percent outside SECA zones. The French government praises this shift, saying it leads to using fuel that is five times less polluting than the global standard.
Lowering sulphur emissions will simultaneously lessen fine particle pollution, aiding in easing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and protecting marine ecosystems. It's a welcome improvement on the horizon for the Mediterranean, joining four other SECA zones worldwide.
Currently, ships within the Mediterranean are already complying with stricter restrictions applied in European ports, as reported by Fanny Pointet, who leads sustainable shipping work at the NGO Transport & Environment. This new SECA rule extends wouldn't affect only European ports, but will apply across the Mediterranean Sea, even in North African ports and beyond.
An unfortunate concession comes in current statistics revealing a 10% surge in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from ships between 2015 and 2023. With the Mediterranean yet to be designated as a Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control Area (NECA), discussions among the European Commission and Mediterranean countries are underway aiming at imposing stricter limitations on nitrogen-based pollutants.
As of recent updates in May 2025, the Mediterranean remains a sulphur-focused ECA, with stricter limits to curb air and water pollution. However, a NECA designation for the region, which would impose strict limits on NOx, is yet to be finalized.
(with AFP)
Stay Tuned for UpdatesTurn the tide on global news by signing up for our daily newsletter today! Or get the latest international news by downloading our mobile app!
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/29/europe-agrees-to-CO2-cuts-for-ships-from-2030[2] https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/maritime-pollution-deadly-for-marine-life[3] https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/AirPollution/GISS先例GISSEX[4] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/sulphur-emissions-cutting-cruise-ships-in-mediterranean-sea-2015-08-18/
- The United States, Canada, and other nations are keeping a close eye on the efforts to reduce sulphur emissions in the Mediterranean, a good indicator for international environmental-science strategies to combat climate-change.
- The stricter regulations on ships' sulphur emissions in the Mediterranean could serve as a model for other sea routes like those off the coast of Africa and Southeast Asia, setting limits on pollution for the benefit of marine ecosystems and human health.
- As the finance industry increasingly recognizes and invests in cleaner energy solutions, the United States' industry is expected to partner with France and other countries to fund more research in environmental-science related to reducing pollution from ships.
- In the wake of the success of the Mediterranean's approach to cleaner skies, there are discussions to establish a Nitrogen Oxides Emission Control Area (NECA) for the region, which would help further reduce pollution from ferries and other vessels, enhancing the overall health of the environment.
- The United States has been pushing for improved international agreements on limiting emissions from the shipping industry, recognizing its significant contribution to air and water pollution.
- While sulphur emissions are currently under control in the Mediterranean, the focus on minimizing nitrogen oxides emissions remains a pressing issue, with several Mediterranean countries teaming up with the European Commission to address this challenge in environmental-science conferences and workshops.
- Prioritizing international cooperation on environmental issues, such as the reduction of pollution from ships, could pose a significant opportunity for the United States to collaborate with European nations like France and Canada, as well as others around the world, as they work together to mitigate the impacts of climate-change.
- As the international community continues to address the challenges posed by climate-change, cleaner skies over the Mediterranean serve as a reminder and an inspiration for the potential progress that can be achieved when nations work together in the pursuit of science, finance, and environmental integrity.
