MARPOL - Canada Now Enforcing the North American Emission Control Area

In June 2012 the Club published guidance concerning the introduction on 1 August 2012 of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI. At that time Canada did not have in place the necessary legislation to enforce the new emission control requirements, and therefore continued to enforce the existing “Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations” until the necessary legislation was in place.

Canada has now announced the enactment of the “Regulations amending the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations” which enforce the ECA requirements in Canadian Waters: Canada continues to align air emissions measures with the United States.

At this time it is unclear what grace period, if any, will be permitted for vessels in Canadian waters complying with previous emission control standards to procure and / or switch to low sulphur fuel, or to utilise one of the other means of compliance with ECA requirements. It is therefore recommended that Members’ vessels within or proceeding in to Canadian waters change over to ECA compliant fuel or utilise one of the other permitted means of compliance at the earliest opportunity.

Members requiring any further guidance should contact the Loss Prevention department.