The Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea officially became Emission Control Areas (ECAs) on 1 March 2026 under MARPOL Annex VI. In the two new areas, ships must meet stricter emission limits on nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM).
The new ECAs were designated through Resolution MEPC.392(82), adopted at MEPC 82 in October 2024. Within ECAS, the sulphur content in fuel oil for ships is limited to 0.10%.
Decreasing SOx and NOx emissions from shipping improves human health by lowering rates of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, strokes and childhood asthma. The environment also benefits significantly, as reduced acidification helps protect crops, forests and aquatic species. Finally, these measures are expected to reduce haze caused by ships, increasing visibility and decreasing the risk of maritime accidents.
The Canadian Arctic area extends the existing North American ECA to include all Canadian Arctic waters. The Norwegian Sea area extends the existing North Sea ECA and covers the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as fjords and coastal waters, reaching the Russian border.
The Canadian Arctic and the Norwegian Sea Emission Control Areas for Nitrogen Oxides, Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter are now the sixth and seventh Emission Control Areas under MARPOL Annex VI, alongside the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; the North American area (covering designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and the United States Caribbean Sea ECA (around Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands).
In April 2025, MEPC 83 approved a proposal to designate the North-East Atlantic as an Emission Control Area. This is expected to be adopted at MEPC 84 in April 2026.
On 1 January 2020, new limits on sulphur content in fuel oil led to a 70% reduction in total sulphur oxide emissions from shipping by setting a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% outside the emission control areas.
