New 2026 ECAs: Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea
Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea: applicable Tier III from 1 March 2026 with distinct criteria; SOx/PM from 1 March 2027.
Operational Explanation
MEPC.392(82) designates two areas with distinct boundaries: appendix VII for the Canadian Arctic and Annex II, regulation 13.9.4, for the Norwegian Sea. “North of 62°” is not a sufficient definition.
The Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea are designated from 1 March 2026: applicable Tier III requirements operate from that date, whereas SOx/PM (sulphur ≤0.10% m/m or an approved equivalent) start on 1 March 2027 under regulation 14.7.
The two NOx regimes are different from each other
A single criterion does not exist: the two areas have different regimes. MEPC.392(82) amends two distinct sub-paragraphs of Regulation 13.
Canadian Arctic: ship constructed, meaning keel laid/equivalent stage, from 1 January 2025. Norwegian Sea: contract from 1 March 2026; or, only without a contract, keel/equivalent stage from 1 September 2026; or delivery from 1 March 2030 irrespective of the contract. Read these ship construction criteria together with the individual-engine provisions.
Also check regulation 13.2: original engines, identical replacements, non-identical replacements, additional engines and other major conversions follow different branches. An earlier ship construction date does not automatically exempt a replacement or additional engine. Check power, use, EIAPP, Technical File, applicable Tier and any regulation 13.5.2 exclusion with the Administration or its authorized recognized organization.
Example: keel March 2025, delivery 2027, contract before 1 March 2026 or no contract. For original engines, without specific exclusions, the ship must meet Tier III when operating in the Canadian Arctic from entry into service in 2027; the area’s regime starts on 1 March 2026. These construction dates do not trigger Tier III in the Norwegian Sea. An additional or replacement engine requires a separate regulation 13.2 assessment.
Where the boundaries run
The perimeter is the first operational fact about an ECA.
The two areas are not described in the same way, and that is the surprising part. Res. MEPC.392(82) adds two new sub-paragraphs to Regulation 13.6: “.5 the Canadian Arctic Emission Control area, which means the area described by the coordinates provided in appendix VII to this Annex; and .6 the Norwegian Sea as defined in regulation 13.9.4 of Annex II of the present Convention.” One is given by coordinates, the other by reference to another Annex.
Appendix VII paragraph 5 contains 179 points in two segments: 1–50 and 51–179, separated at Hans Island. Do not automatically join 50 to 51 or close one polygon. Use official charts and updates checked against the regulatory description.
Norwegian Sea: the boundary is defined by reference to Annex II regulation 13.9.4, introduced by MEPC.315(74), pp. 3–4. The coordinates are in the referenced text: the ECA designation does not repeat them in a new Appendix VII table. Use that boundary to plan crossings and records.
The text of Annex II regulation 13.9.4 is provided in MEPC.315(74). That definition, referenced by MEPC.392(82), governs the Norwegian Sea; a single latitude threshold is not a substitute.
Both designations take effect on 1 March 2026.
Regulatory Reference
MEPC.392(82): The Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea are designated from 1 March 2026: applicable Tier III requirements operate from that date, whereas SOx/PM (sulphur ≤0.10% m/m or an approved equivalent) start on 1 March 2027 under regulation 14.7.
Canadian Arctic: ship constructed, meaning keel laid/equivalent stage, from 1 January 2025. Norwegian Sea: contract from 1 March 2026; or, only without a contract, keel/equivalent stage from 1 September 2026; or delivery from 1 March 2030 irrespective of the contract. Read these ship construction criteria together with the individual-engine provisions.
MEPC.315(74): Annex II 13.9.4. MEPC.328(76): regulations 13.2, 13.5 and 14.6–14.7.
Scope of Application
The Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea are designated from 1 March 2026: applicable Tier III requirements operate from that date, whereas SOx/PM (sulphur ≤0.10% m/m or an approved equivalent) start on 1 March 2027 under regulation 14.7.
Also check regulation 13.2: original engines, identical replacements, non-identical replacements, additional engines and other major conversions follow different branches. An earlier ship construction date does not automatically exempt a replacement or additional engine. Check power, use, EIAPP, Technical File, applicable Tier and any regulation 13.5.2 exclusion with the Administration or its authorized recognized organization.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Confirm the distinct official boundaries and dates applicable to the route.
- Canadian Arctic: ship constructed, meaning keel laid/equivalent stage, from 1 January 2025. Norwegian Sea: contract from 1 March 2026; or, only without a contract, keel/equivalent stage from 1 September 2026; or delivery from 1 March 2030 irrespective of the contract. Read these ship construction criteria together with the individual-engine provisions.
- Also check regulation 13.2: original engines, identical replacements, non-identical replacements, additional engines and other major conversions follow different branches. An earlier ship construction date does not automatically exempt a replacement or additional engine. Check power, use, EIAPP, Technical File, applicable Tier and any regulation 13.5.2 exclusion with the Administration or its authorized recognized organization.
- Where regulation 13.5.3 applies, record engine Tier and on/off status on entry into and exit from the NOx ECA and status changes within it, with date, time and position. Regulation 14.6 instead concerns ships using separate fuels: a written procedure, changeover completed before entry and started after exit, with low-sulphur fuel volumes in each tank, date, time and position. No changeover is required when continuing to use fuel that already complies.
- In the Arctic assess the Annex I regulation 43A HFO prohibition separately: an EGCS does not waive that prohibition. Also check local restrictions.
- Prepare crew, bunkering, documents and equipment for the compliance method actually used.
Practical Example
Example: a Company with regular routes through the Norwegian Sea reviews, starting already in 2026, its bunkering contracts at habitual Norwegian ports to secure the availability of fuel compliant with the 0.10% sulphur limit ahead of the 1 March 2027 deadline.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
- Do not confuse the NOx date in 2026 with SOx/PM in 2027 or with the North-East Atlantic calendar.
- Do not reduce the Norwegian Sea to one latitude or the Canadian Arctic to one polygon.
- Do not use only the ship date for a replacement or additional engine.
- Do not treat a scrubber as a waiver of the Arctic HFO prohibition.
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Document the NOx assessment separately for each area and engine.
- Align boundary crossing, engine configuration and records.
- Do not require a fuel switch if the fuel already in use complies.
Preparation checklist
Educational checklist. This summary supports learning and preparation only. It does not replace the vessel’s approved procedures, manuals, statutory documents, company SMS, or applicable official requirements. Completing it demonstrates neither compliance nor readiness for an inspection: it shows that a list has been read, not that the ship is in order. Always verify the current documents carried on board.
- Confirm the distinct official boundaries and dates applicable to the route.
- Canadian Arctic: ship constructed, meaning keel laid/equivalent stage, from 1 January 2025. Norwegian Sea: contract from 1 March 2026; or, only without a contract, keel/equivalent stage from 1 September 2026; or delivery from 1 March 2030 irrespective of the contract. Read these ship construction criteria together with the individual-engine provisions.
- Also check regulation 13.2: original engines, identical replacements, non-identical replacements, additional engines and other major conversions follow different branches. An earlier ship construction date does not automatically exempt a replacement or additional engine. Check power, use, EIAPP, Technical File, applicable Tier and any regulation 13.5.2 exclusion with the Administration or its authorized recognized organization.
- Where regulation 13.5.3 applies, record engine Tier and on/off status on entry into and exit from the NOx ECA and status changes within it, with date, time and position. Regulation 14.6 instead concerns ships using separate fuels: a written procedure, changeover completed before entry and started after exit, with low-sulphur fuel volumes in each tank, date, time and position. No changeover is required when continuing to use fuel that already complies.
- In the Arctic assess the Annex I regulation 43A HFO prohibition separately: an EGCS does not waive that prohibition. Also check local restrictions.
- Prepare crew, bunkering, documents and equipment for the compliance method actually used.
FAQ
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Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint 48a3c62e616b