A Guide to Cleaner Seas
Navigating Emission Control Areas (ECA) Regulations
As of May 1, 2025, the Mediterranean Sea will become an Emission Control Area (ECA) for Sulphur Oxides (SOx) under MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 14.
This mandates that the sulphur content of fuel used on board ships must not exceed 0.10%, unless an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) is used to achieve equivalent SOx emission levels.
This change aims to reduce air pollution in the Mediterranean region, benefitting human health and the environment.
Impact on Fuel Quality
The change is anticipated to drive increased use of marine gas oil (MGO) and potentially vacuum gas oil (VGO), as most very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) will no longer meet the stringent requirements. VGO is a viable option due to its low sulphur nature.
However, VGO typically requires pour point depressants (PPD) to ensure its stability during transport, storage, and usage. Mixing MGO or VGO with VLSFOs in tanks could lead to sludging, necessitating advanced sludge
management technology.
Infineum Additive Solutions
Infineum is at the forefront of this transition with its advanced fuel additives, designed to enhance the stability and performance of fuel blends.
Our cutting-edge additives prevent wax formation and asphaltene precipitation, preventing issues such as pour point problems, filter blocking and sedimentation.
With a proven track record in fuel additive solutions, Infineum is ready to support refiners, traders and shippers in meeting the new ECA requirements.
Reliable supply through a robust, global supply chain
High quality products thanks to tight manufacturing quality controls
Innovative new products from our performance testing lab
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Our products can be tailored to your requirements, and we’ll work closely with you to identify the best possible solutions. We want to make your formulations the best they can be.
Reliability, flexibility, and willingness to collaborate means you can be confident that we’ll be available for you and deliver the additive solutions you need, where and when you need them.
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