Positives to take from the US Caribbean Sea ECA

摘要

On 1 January 2014 the next stage of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) will take effect. This is the US Caribbean Sea ECA, covering certain waters adjacent to the coasts of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The ECA will reduce sulphur oxide (SO_x) emissions by 80% and nitrogen oxide (NO_x) and particulate matter emissions by 90%. There has been vigorous debate about the enforcement of standards and the application of criminal sanctions, particularly in the early stages of implementation. However, some shipping companies, classification societies and flag states are taking the initiative.