SOx and PM emissions Regulations
Sulfur content in fuel oil is controlled to reduce SOx and PM in exhaust emissions. Sulfur limits has been gradually tightened. The sulfur limit is 0.1% in the emission in the Emission Control Areas (ECAs(*)) from 2015, and 0.5% in tgeneral sea area from 2020. It is required to take measures such as using fuel oil that complies with regulations (compliant fuel oill), introducing SOx scrubbers, and switching to alternative fuels.
(*) ECA-designated sea areas:
(1) North America Coast – within 200 nautical miles (SOx/NOx), (2) United States Caribbean Sea (SOx/NOx), and (3) Baltic Sea and North Sea (currently SOx only. SOx/NOx in 2021 and later.)
