World ECA map: 0.10% sulphur areas
In these areas marine fuel may contain at most 0.10% sulphur, while the limit elsewhere is 0.50%. Move over an area to see its date and limits. The dots are the ports we work at.
Worldwide
Sulphur max 0.50%
Since 1 January 2020
The global limit outside ECAs. Move over an area or select it.
In force, 0.10%
Agreed, not yet started
Rest of the world, 0.50%Ports we work at
What an ECA is and why it matters
An ECA is a sea area under MARPOL Annex VI where sulphur oxide emissions are limited more strictly. Five areas are in force today and three more have been agreed. For route planning, what matters is which line the ship crosses and when, and having changed to compliant fuel before reaching it.
The drawings on this map are schematic and not for navigation. Exact limits are defined by coordinates in MARPOL Annex VI.
ECA areas and start dates
| Area | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Sea | In force | Since 1 May 2025 |
| Baltic Sea | In force | 0.10% limit since 1 January 2015 |
| North Sea | In force | 0.10% limit since 1 January 2015 |
| North America | In force | Since 1 August 2012, 0.10% limit since 2015 |
| US Caribbean Sea | In force | Since 1 January 2014 |
| Canadian Arctic waters | Agreed | Sulphur limit starts on 1 March 2027 |
| Norwegian Sea | Agreed | Sulphur limit starts on 1 March 2027 |
| North-East Atlantic | Agreed | Sulphur limit starts on 1 September 2028 |
ECA limits by area
Mediterranean Sea ECA
The western limit runs between Cape Trafalgar and Cape Spartel, the north-eastern limit at the southern mouth of the Dardanelles, between Mehmetçik Burnu and Kumkale Burnu. A small area in front of the Suez Canal entrance is excluded. The Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Black Sea are outside, but Türkiye's own rule applies 0.10% to ships at berth and at anchor for more than two hours.
Baltic Sea ECA
As defined in MARPOL Annex I, including the Gulfs of Bothnia and Finland and the entrance to the Baltic, up to the parallel of the Skaw in the Skagerrak at 57°44.8′N. It meets the North Sea ECA on this line.
North Sea ECA
As defined in MARPOL Annex V: south of 62°N and east of 4°W, the Skagerrak with its southern limit east of the Skaw, and the English Channel east of 5°W and north of 48°30′N.
North America ECA
The Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the US and Canada, plus the main Hawaiian islands. The limit is defined by coordinates in MARPOL Annex VI Appendix VII and reaches about 200 nautical miles offshore.
US Caribbean Sea ECA
The waters around Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The limit is defined by coordinates in MARPOL Annex VI Appendix VII.
Canadian Arctic waters ECA
Adopted by IMO. The sulphur limit starts on 1 March 2027. Together with the North-East Atlantic it forms a continuous line across the North Atlantic.
Norwegian Sea ECA
Adopted by IMO. The sulphur limit starts on 1 March 2027. It meets the North Sea ECA at 62°N.
North-East Atlantic ECA
Adopted at MEPC 84, in force on 1 September 2027, with the 0.10% limit from 1 September 2028. It covers the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas of Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and mainland UK. The waters around Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands are excluded.
Fuel changeover when entering an ECA
The fuel changeover must be complete before entering an ECA and may not start until after leaving it. The ship carries a written procedure for this. At each changeover the quantity of low-sulphur fuel, the date, time and position are recorded. A scrubber is an accepted equivalent, but washwater rules vary from port to port and are tightening in north-west Europe.
For 0.10% fuel see our Fuel Oil and Gas Oil page, and find the port on your route on the ports page.
ECA: common questions
What is an ECA?
An Emission Control Area: a sea area under MARPOL Annex VI where sulphur oxide emissions from ships are limited more strictly. Fuel may contain at most 0.10% sulphur inside and 0.50% outside.
How many ECAs are there?
Five are in force for sulphur today: the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, North America and the US Caribbean. Canadian Arctic waters and the Norwegian Sea start on 1 March 2027, the North-East Atlantic on 1 September 2028.
Are the Marmara and the Black Sea inside an ECA?
No. The Mediterranean ECA ends at the southern mouth of the Dardanelles. Türkiye's own rule still applies 0.10% to ships at berth and at anchor for more than two hours.
Can VLSFO be used inside an ECA?
Not without a scrubber. 0.50% VLSFO does not meet the 0.10% limit. MGO or ULSFO is needed.
Which fuel is bought for an ECA?
Fuel with at most 0.10% sulphur: MGO (DMA) or ULSFO. A ship running a scrubber can also burn HSFO. The order states grade and sulphur together.
Get a quote for your route
Send the vessel name, IMO number, port, ETA, grades and quantities.