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IMO Regulations

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) regulatory framework for the global shipping industry allows the use of abatement technologies and recognises that scrubbers are an efficient solution for exhaust gas cleaning.

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Stricter global regulation

Stricter emission rules are reshaping the maritime industry. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) allows shipowners to comply using approved abatement technologies — and recognises scrubbers as one of the most efficient and proven solutions for reducing exhaust gas emissions.

The global shipping framework

Sulphur Oxide (SOx) emissions are known to harm both ecosystems and human health. Shipping alone is estimated to cause more than 100,000 premature deaths each year, making emission reduction a global priority.

The IMO, a specialised UN agency, defines the regulatory framework for cleaner and safer shipping worldwide. To reduce the environmental footprint of global trade, the IMO has established Emission Control Areas (ECA) and Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECA) with strict limits on sulphur content in marine fuel.

  • Since 2015: Fuel used in ECAs must not exceed 0.1% sulphur
  • 1 January 2020: A global cap of 0.5% sulphur came into effect
  • 1 March 2020: Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) banned on ships without an approved scrubber system
  • 1 May 2025: The Mediterranean Sea designated as a new ECA, limiting sulphur to 0.1%

The direction is clear — the future of shipping is cleaner, more efficient, and fully compliant.

Toward carbon efficiency

On 1 November 2022, new IMO amendments on carbon intensity measures entered into force, requiring ships to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Under these rules, all ships must calculate their Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) to assess technical performance, and collect and report operational data for their Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and annual CII rating. These measures mark a new phase in maritime sustainability — one where emissions are measured, monitored, and continuously improved.

Efficient Exhaust Gas Cleaning

Scrubbers remain one of the most effective and cost-efficient solutions for compliance. The IMO, under MEPC.340(77) Guidelines for EGCS, recognises scrubbers as a proven abatement technology capable of achieving emission levels equal to or lower than compliant fuel.

At PureteQ, we’ve engineered our patented Maritime Scrubber System for superior reliability, low operating costs, and exceptional energy efficiency. Designed for today’s IMO carbon intensity standards, our next-generation scrubbers and marine water monitoring systems — backed by our global service and support — help shipowners boost performance, cut emissions, and stay ahead of regulations.