On 8 May 2013 the Government of Canada announced it is adopting strict environmental standards to reduce air emissions from ships navigating in Canadian waters.  The changes further align Canada’s emissions standards with the United States. “The changes will help make our oceans and lakes cleaner by reducing ship emissions,” said Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. “Since vessels from Canada and the United States routinely travel in both countries’ waters, aligning our regulations is the logical thing to do.”

• Canada is further aligning its emission standards with the United States with the adoption of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). Air emissions standards under the ECA are stricter than global requirements.
• New standards will reduce allowable emissions of key air pollutants from ships. By 2020, emissions of sulfur oxide will be reduced by 96% and nitrogen oxides by 80%.
• New energy efficiency requirements will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. By 2025, new vessels must be 30% more energy efficient and all vessels must have energy efficiency plans.
• A new air emissions regime for Canadian vessels operating in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence waters will support industry efforts to modernize their fleet while phasing in the strictest sulphur oxide standards by 2020.
• New standards will require marine diesel engines installed after 1 January 2016 to be certified to recognized U.S. or international environmental standards.

What this means to you

Canada has aligned its air emissions from ships standards to be in line with those of the U.S. That may require replacing engines or adding catalysts to control emissions.

MIRATECH can help

Contact MIRATECH to learn how to make sure your ship’s engines comply with the new Canadian regulations.