(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) In a significant decision, the International Maritime Organization’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC83) has approved the creation of a new Emission Control Area (ECA) in the North-East Atlantic Ocean. This ECA
International shipping emits significant levels of pollutants. Stricter regulations under the new ECA is expected to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions by up to 82%, particulate matter (PM2.5) by 64%, and black carbon (BC) by 36%. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions will decline by up to 71% over time with fleet renewal. As a result, the North-East Atlantic ECA is expected to prevent up to 4,300 premature deaths between 2030 and 2050 and save up to €29 billion in health-related costs. It will also benefit coastal communities, including Indigenous groups in the Arctic, who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
Moreover, the ECA will play a key role in protecting the region’s marine biodiversity and cultural heritage, covering over 1,500 marine protected areas, 17 important marine mammal habitats, and 148 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Reducing shipping emissions is crucial to prevent further pollution and ocean acidification threatening these ecosystems.
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