World’s largest emission control area to be formed in Northeast Atlantic Ocean

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🗞️ Driving the news: The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved the establishment of the world’s largest Emission Control Area (ECA) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
• Encompassing the territorial waters of eight countries — including France, the UK, Spain, and Ireland — the zone will take effect by 2027, imposing stricter controls on sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate emissions from ships

🔭 The context: ECAs are designated maritime zones where stricter emission standards apply to reduce air pollution
• Similar zones already exist in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean
• The newly approved Northeast Atlantic ECA will bridge gaps between existing ECAs, forming a nearly continuous low-emission maritime corridor around Europe
• This expansion follows mounting civil society pressure and sustained diplomatic efforts, particularly by Portugal and other EU nations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Shipping accounts for a significant share of transboundary air pollutants
• The new ECA is projected to cut SOx emissions by up to 82%, PM2.5 by 64%, and black carbon by 36%, with corresponding declines in ground-level ozone
• The move will enhance air quality for 190 million residents and protect over 1,500 marine protected areas, 17 marine mammal habitats, and 148 UNESCO World Heritage sites — advancing both public health and biodiversity goals

⏭️ What's next: Implementation is set for 2027, with ships required to adopt cleaner fuels or emission-reduction technologies
• However, concerns remain about the use of scrubbers that discharge toxic wash water
• Environmental groups are pushing for bans on scrubber discharges and advocating for an EU-wide ECA that includes the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and the Black Sea
• As regulatory frameworks tighten, industry is expected to accelerate investment in green marine fuels and technologies

💬 One quote: “This move closes the gaps between ECAs, creating a near-continuous clean shipping zone across Europe and levelling the playing field for maritime operators.” – German NGO shipping expert

📈 One stat: Up to 4,300 premature deaths could be prevented between 2030 and 2050, alongside €29 billion in avoided health costs, according to the proposal’s impact assessment

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