Canada adopts new emission standards for ships
9 May 2013
Canada has adopted new emission requirements for ships navigating in Canadian waters. The amended Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations harmonize Canadian requirements with the IMO requirements for emissions of pollutants and GHGs, and with regulations adopted by the US EPA.
The amendments introduce new requirements for vessels under Annex VI of the IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). They set new Canadian standards for environmental protection in several areas:
- Canada is further aligning its emission standards with the United States with the adoption of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA). From 2016, ships in ECAs must meet IMO Tier III NOx standards that are about 80% more stringent from the Tier II standards outside of ECA waters.
- Emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx) will be reduced by 96% by 2020, through the use of low sulfur marine fuels or sulfur scrubbers onboard ships.
- New IMO energy efficiency requirements will reduce GHGs 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 stricter SOx standards by 2020.
- New standards will require marine diesel engines installed after January 1, 2016 to be certified to recognized US or international environmental standards.
- A new standard will help manage greywater—the water that drains from a ship’s sinks, showers and laundries. Under the amendments, greywater discharged in Canadian waters (other than Arctic waters, which are subject to other standards) must not result in the deposit of solids or cause any sheen on the water.
- Updated requirements for the transfer of oil between tankers will align Canadian requirements with IMO pollution prevention standards.
Source: Transport Canada