Maritime Glossary
Emission Control Area
Also known as: ECA, SECA, NECA
A sea area where stricter limits on SOx, NOx, and particulate matter emissions from ships apply under MARPOL Annex VI.
Status: ActiveVerified: Source confidence: high (96%)
Full Definition
ECAs are designated zones where more stringent emission standards apply. SECA (Sulphur ECA) limits fuel sulphur to 0.10% m/m; the North Sea, Baltic, North American, and US Caribbean ECAs are SECAs. NECA (NOx ECA) applies IMO Tier III NOx limits to new engines; the North Sea, Baltic, and North American ECAs are also NECAs. Ships operating in ECAs must use compliant low-sulphur fuel or approved equivalents (EGCS/scrubbers, LNG).
Domain Tags
regulationenvironmentdecarbonization