The Cypriot Deputy Ministry for Shipping welcomed the adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, designating the Mediterranean Sea as Sulphate Oxides Emission Control Area (SECA).
In a press release on the outcome of Marine Environment Protection Committee (???-MEPC79), 12-17 December 2022, the Deputy Ministry said that Cyprus, as a Mediterranean island state, welcomes the adoption of the draft amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, which will take full effect on 1st May 2025, concerning the designation of the Mediterranean Sea as Sulphate Oxides Emission Control Area (SECA).
“This development is extremely significant towards protecting public health and the environment in the Mediterranean, by reducing exposure to harmful levels of air pollution resulting from these emissions,” the Deputy Ministry added.
Furthermore, the Deputy Ministry noted that Cyprus acknowledges the progress made in respect with the ongoing revision of the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships although the 2030 and 2050 revised targets are still being discussed together with the implementation of a supplementary “basket of measures” in the Revised Strategy which is expected to be adopted at MEPC 80.
Source: Cyprus News Agency