This week saw the presentation of the initial studies for the implementation of an Emissions Control Area (ECA) on the Portuguese mainland coast and along the Exclusive Economic Zone of the countries adhering to this initiative.

The studies focus on the geographical area linking the Baltic ECA that has already been implemented and the Mediterranean ECA that will come into force in 2025, in order to harmonise the same level of protection for the environment and coastal populations.

The presentation took place at the plenary session of the International Maritime Organisation - IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in London.
The studies meet the requirements and parameters set out in Appendix III of Annex VI of the MARPOL convention for the implementation of Reduced Emission Areas and were developed by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). The entire socio-economic component was developed by FEUP - Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.

It should be noted that this initiative has the active collaboration of ZERO - Sustainable Earth System Association.