Use of scrubbers in the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area (Med ECA)

Starting 1 May 2025, the Mediterranean Sea officially transitions into a full Emission Control Area (Med ECA), mandating strict adherence to sulphur emission limits under MARPOL Annex VI. Vessels navigating through these waters must now ensure their fuel systems or exhaust gas cleaning systems, commonly known as scrubbers, are fully compliant with the IMO Resolution MEPC.361(79) standards. This regulatory shift impacts all merchant vessels transiting major Mediterranean ports, requiring rigorous monitoring of fuel sulphur content to avoid severe port state control penalties.

The implementation of the Med ECA is rooted in the amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which limits sulphur oxide emissions to 0.10% m/m. Compliance departments must ensure that vessels equipped with open-loop, closed-loop, or hybrid scrubbers maintain accurate record-keeping in the Oil Record Book and ensure continuous emission monitoring systems are calibrated correctly. Failure to comply with these stringent environmental standards can lead to vessel detention, heavy fines, and reputational damage. Technical superintendents and fleet managers are urged to verify that all onboard documentation aligns with the latest IMO circulars before entering the designated zone.

Chief engineers and second engineers must prioritize the operational readiness of scrubber systems to meet these new standards. These rank groups are responsible for verifying washwater discharge quality and ensuring that the exhaust gas cleaning system operates within the required parameters. Navigating officers must also remain vigilant, ensuring that fuel changeover procedures are completed well before entering the Med ECA boundaries to prevent accidental non-compliance and ensure seamless vessel operations throughout the Mediterranean transit.