Creation of an ECA area in the Western Mediterranean

Creation of an ECA area in the Western Mediterranean

Port of Barcelona

The entire coastline

Precontent

Although highly efficient in terms of volume transported, Maritime traffic generates atmospheric pollution that affects the air quality of coastal cities, not only when the ships are in port. The fuel oil used to power the vessels contains up to 3,500 times more sulphur than the diesel used in the vehicles. The burning of this fuel traditionally used by vessels emits pollutants into the atmosphere such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PMx) which have harmful effects on the health of the public and the environment.

In order to tackle the pollutant emissions from ships and limit their negative effects on public health and the environment, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has created low emission zones for sulphur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) compounds. Emission control areas (ECAs) are regulated by Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These are areas where more restrictive levels of emissions of sulphur, nitrogen and particulates are enforced than those provided for in MARPOL, and it is up to the coastal states to apply to the IMO for their creation.

Maritime traffic, because of its efficiency in interregional transport of large volumes, is on an upward trend due to factors such as new markets, new routes and the global economic and political situation. Along with the growth of maritime transport, there has also been accelerated growth in global pollutant emissions. Environmental concerns in recent decades have led to the creation of stricter regulations on atmospheric emissions. However, the Mediterranean Sea does not have these stricter regulations seen in ECAs. It is therefore an opportunity to include the Mediterranean Sea as an ECA. The creation of an ECA in the Mediterranean would make a very positive contribution to improving air quality and the health of the inhabitants of the coastal populations, as well as the environmental quality of Mediterranean ecosystems.

As for global emissions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reached a consensus to introduce a carbon price for the shipping industry in 2027. This historic decision sets a standardised global carbon price and effectively bypasses state-level debates and the gridlock seen until now.

Barcelona City Council is promoting the project to establish a Mediterranean ECA in the Coastal Plan, as this is an essential complement to the agreements with the Barcelona Port Authority – limited to the port area and within the Authority’s remit – to reduce the emissions generated by maritime traffic.

What are we doing?

Since 2018, the Coastal Plan Office has been carrying out actions to encourage the Spanish government to position itself in favour of the creation of an ECA in the Mediterranean. In 2019, the Spanish state declared itself in favour of this initiative and since then the Office has been monitoring the international procedures that are being carried out. The most recent development in the project was at the last conference of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Regions of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention), held from 7 to 10 December 2021, where it was agreed

The creation of a control area for sulphur oxides (MED SOx ECA) and particulate matter for the whole of the Mediterranean, which should come into operation in January 2025 after approval by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Still awaiting confirmation is the entry into effect of the control area for nitrogen oxides (MED NOx ECA), scheduled for 2026.
Pending clarification is how the emissions levy on maritime transport proposed by the Government of Catalonia will be applied. This levy would apply to ships over 5,000 tonnes –such as cruise ships, ferries, tankers, oil carriers, cargo ships and container vessels– and would charge one euro for every kilogram of nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emitted. The aim of this tax is to encourage ships to electrify and reduce their emissions progressively in order to improve air quality.
The IMO’s proposal is designed to raise billions of dollars in climate finance. It is expected that this initiative will go beyond the decarbonisation of maritime transport and catalyse much-needed investment funds for climate initiatives worldwide.
Barcelona hosted in 2024, and will again host in 2026, meetings of the Working Group on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor of the C40 Green Ports Forum.