From 1 May 2025, the Mediterranean Sea officially became the world’s fifth Emission Control Area (ECA) for sulphur oxides. Ships operating in the region are now required to use marine fuels with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1%, down from the previous 0.5% global limit. The objective is to curb air and water pollution caused by sulphur emissions, which are linked to respiratory conditions, sea acidification, and environmental degradation.

This measure follows the example of similar ECAs in the Baltic and North Seas, where sulphur oxide emissions have dropped by approximately 70% since 2014. In the Mediterranean, the new limits are expected to bring comparable benefits, improving air quality and reducing pressure on marine ecosystems. However, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the region have continued to increase—by 8% since 2015—highlighting the need for further regulatory measures. The EU Commission and Mediterranean countries are assessing next steps to address this issue.

The Mediterranean ECA was established under the Barcelona Convention and endorsed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2022. It will complement existing EU legislation, notably the Sulphur Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, and is a key tool to achieve Good Environmental Status of EU waters. The Directive, recently evaluated by the EU Commission, underlined the need for enhanced enforcement and stronger alignment across marine and environmental legislation.

A new ECA in the Northeast Atlantic, targeting both sulphur and nitrogen oxides, is also under preparation. It was approved by the IMO in April and is expected to enter into force in 2027.

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