Marine Advisory: 11/2025 - Entry into Effect of the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area

SUBJECT: Entry into Effect of the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area

REF: (a) MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14

1. Marine Notice POL-009
2. Marine Advisory 13/2023 - Guidance on implementation of MARPOL

Annex VI 2020 Global Sulphur Limit

1. Marine Advisory 06/2025

Purpose

The purpose of this Advisory is to alert all Shipowners, Operators and Masters that the Mediterranean Sea sulphur emission control area (SECA) takes effect from 1 May 2025.

Background

MEPC Resolution 361(79) designated the Mediterranean Sea as an emission control area for sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) under regulation 14 of MARPOL Annex VI.

Requirements

From May 1, 2025, ships operating in the Mediterranean Sea must use fuel with a sulphur content not exceeding 0.10% unless they use an approved equivalent, such as an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) taking into account any local port restrictions for discharge of wash water, reference (d) above.

Non-availability of compliant fuel

Should a ship, despite its best effort to obtain compliant fuel, be unable to do so, the master/company should submit a fuel oil non-availability report (FONAR) taking into account guideline in MEPC Resolution 320(74) and reference (c) above.

For more information, please contact the Regulations and Standards Department at RegsandStandards@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.

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