Sulphur Emission Control Area

With Sulphur Emission Control Area ( SECA ) regions were designated in which the emissions of sulfur and sulfur oxides to be limited by seagoing vessels. Today, these regions are referred to as Emission Controlled Area ( ECA).

Basis for the explanation of a region to a SECA was in 1997 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO ) developed Annex VI (English Annex VI) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships ( MARPOL).

In a SECA were considered for the burning of fuels on ships - among other strict rules for the emission of exhaust gases - the following special rules:

The mass fraction of sulfur in the fuel to be burned was not allowed to exceed since May 19, 2006 1.5%. Alternatively, there was the possibility to install so-called scrubber to clean the exhaust gases and reduce the emission of sulfur and sulfur oxides.
Aqueous oil residues may only be burned when caused by the separation (dewatering and cleaning of fuel ) of low-sulfur fuel ( 1.5 % m / m) arise.
From 1 January 2010, marine diesel oils may be burned in all European ports only, which have a sulfur mass fraction of at most 0.1 %.
From 1 July 2010, fuels must be burned with a sulfur mass fraction of 1.0 % in SECA only.

SECA following have been established:

From 1 July 2000 all European ports; applies to all seagoing vessels operating exclusively with marine diesel oil
From 19 May 2006, the Baltic Sea; applies to all seagoing vessels
From 11 August 2006, all European waters; applies to all passenger ships under the European flag in regular service
From 11 August 2007, the North Sea and the English Channel; applies to all seagoing vessels under the European flag or seagoing vessels used exclusively in European waters
As of 22 November 2007, the North Sea and the English Channel; applies to all seagoing vessels
From 1 July 2009 24 sm coastal areas of California; applies to all seagoing vessels. Feature: Diesel fuels must not exceed a sulfur mass fraction of 0.5%.

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