North American ECA Enforcement Begins August 1, 2012
The Emission Control Area (ECA) for the United States and Canada will subject vessels operating within 200 nautical miles of the U.S. and Canada to significant civil penalties for non-compliance beginning on August 1, 2012. On the west coast, the North American ECA extends from Anchorage Alaska in the north to the U.S./Mexico border in the south, and includes a 200 nm area around the Hawaiian Islands (see figure). Vessels will be required to consume fuel with maximum sulfur content by weight of 1.0 percent (10,000 ppm), or use an equivalent control strategy, such as exhaust gas scrubbers. Failure to comply can subject the vessel to civil penalties up to $25,000 per day of violation. Submittal of false records would also subject the vessel to an additional $5,000 for each violation.
Members are strongly urged to identify sources of compliant fuel or alternative compliance strategies and to implement any necessary protocols and training to be ready for the August 1, 2012 enforcement date. Additional information on the IMO MARPOL protocols and the U.S. authority can be found at the EPA website. North American ECA Area
