Guidance Document on The Consistent Implementation of the 0.10% Sulphur Limit under MARPOL Annex VI in the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter (MED SOx ECA) – Sep 04, 2025
The 79th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 79) (London, UK, 12-16 December 2022) adopted the amendments to Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) concerning the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter (Med SOX ECA), which entered into effective application of the Med SOX ECA on 1 May 2025. These amendments to MARPOL Annex VI are in line the objectives of the Ballast Water Management Strategy for the Mediterranean Sea (2022-2027) (“Mediterranean BWM Strategy (2022-2027)”), adopted by the Barcelona Convention Conference of Parties (COP) 22. Notably, they establish a 0.10% m/m sulphur limit in the area.
Read more on the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter (Med SOX ECA)
What is the purpose of this Guidance Document?
The Guidance Document on the consistent implementation of the 0.10% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI in the Med SOX ECA is aimed at providing the necessary guidance to the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention with a view to:
1 ensuring consistent acceptance of MARPOL Annex VI; and
2 ensuring consistent implementation of the 0.10% m/m sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI in the Med SOX ECA. This includes outlining the obligations of ship operators, port authorities, fuel suppliers, and other stakeholders in achieving compliance with the sulphur limit.
The Guidance Document was endorsed by the 16th Meeting of REMPEC Focal Points held in Malta between 13 and 15 May 2025.
The Guidelines in both English and French are available to download below.
