PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean are critical maritime routes which suffer from significant air pollution from shipping emissions. Sulphur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from ships contribute to poor air quality and pose health risks to humans and threats to nature.
The European Green Deal and the EU Restore Our Ocean and Waters mission promote the reduction in maritime transport pollution by establishing Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
The situation is particularly urgent in the Mediterranean, as the region is currently preparing to implement an ECA for sulphur (SECA), which is set to come into force in 2025, and assessing whether an ECA for nitrogen oxides (NECA) may also be needed. However, non-EU countries bordering the Mediterranean often lack the technical capacity and financial means to meet these requirements. In the Atlantic, there is a growing need to establish similar SECA and NECA zones, but progress is slow owing to gaps in coordination and resources among key actors.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE4MECA project will build on the LIFE4MEDECA project (2021-23) and other initiatives such as SAFEMED V and WESTMED to provide technical support, facilitate cooperation and offer financial advice to help these regions comply with ECA regulations.
It will support the implementation of the Mediterranean SECA and Atlantic NECA and thereby significantly reduce harmful emissions from shipping.
The project’s specific objectives are to:
- support the ratification of International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI bynorth African countries (for example, by reducing inspections in EU ports of ECA sub-standard ships from non-EU countries)
- provide technical support to develop Atlantic SECA scenarios and exchange best practice for the Atlantic ECA also in collaboration with the UN Environment (UNEP) MAP and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
- provide expertise to the MED ECA countries in implementing SECA and NECA regulations, especially for non-EU Mediterranean countries that lack capacity
- map financial incentives: identify and promote access to finance mechanisms to support the implementation of ECAs, in coordination with key authorities such as ministries of environment and transport, to promote sustainable financing for maritime compliance
- leverage the results of LIFE4MEDECA, SAFEMED V and WESTMED initiatives to create synergies/complementarity, to support the development of Atlantic SECAs and NECAs
- establish a MECA Knowledge Centre and coordination structures for legislative governance, promoting dialogue with industry stakeholders including vessel owners, operators and ports
- develop a post-project legacy plan to ensure impact beyond the EU funding period and the long-term sustainability of ECAs in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and to identify further needs through communication and dialogue
RESULTS
The project’s expected results are listed below.
- Expansion of the MECA Knowledge Centre, inherited from the LIFE4MEDECA project, which will serve as a key resource for sharing best practices, technical guidance and capacity-building tools for both Mediterranean and Atlantic countries. This platform will facilitate long-term legislative governance and enforcement of emission regulations.
- Establishment and involvement of the MECA Stakeholder Group, composed of 30-50 internationally recognised experts, to provide valuable knowledge and recommendations throughout the project.
- 3 annual fact sheets and policy briefs to communicate the project's progress and findings to all relevant actors.
- An overview document to map out the needs for Atlantic SECA, alongside a strategy document on sub-standard ships (to tackle compliance issues for non-EU vessels.
- 2 ATLECA roadmaps: 1 roadmap will focus on technical support and another on access to finance, ensuring readiness for SECA designation in the Atlantic.
- 6 capacity-building sessions, reaching at least 60 key representatives from national authorities, port operators and shipowners. These sessions will equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to comply with ECA regulations.
- Establishment of governance structures involving relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure continued dialogue, cooperation and enforcement of ECA regulations across the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions.
- 6 air quality measurement campaigns and workshops to measure air pollution in targeted regions, paired with local awareness-raising workshops.