Caribbean cruise emissions in spotlight

摘要

The North American Emission Control Area (ECA), under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), came into effect on 1 August 2012, bringing in stricter controls on emissions of sulphur oxide (SO_X), nitrogen oxide (NO_X) and particulate matter for ships trading off the coasts of Canada and the United States. On 1 January 2014 the next stage of the ECA will take effect with the United States Caribbean Sea ECA, covering certain waters adjacent to the coasts of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. The ECA was designated under MARPOL amendments adopted in July 2011, and entered into force on 1 January 2013.