THE Mediterranean Sea been designated an Emission Control Area (ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI, enforcing stricter sulphur limits to curb air pollution, reports London's Port Technology International.

The new designation, from May 1, mandates a sulphur limit of 0.1 per cent in marine fuel, significantly lower than the 0.5 per cent allowed outside ECAs, targeting reductions in sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter emissions.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) highlights health benefits, including lower risks of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and childhood asthma.

Environmental gains include reduced acidification, benefiting crops, forests and marine ecosystems.

The Mediterranean, handling 20 per cent of global seaborne trade and hosting 24 per cent of the world fleet, joins the Baltic Sea, North Sea, North American coastlines, and US Caribbean as the fifth such area under MARPOL Annex VI.

Following the global sulphur cap in 2020, which cut SOx emissions 70 per cent, this ECA aims to further align shipping with decarbonisation targets set for 2050.