What are Emission Control Areas (ECAs) under MARPOL Annex VI, and how do they affect operations near ports?

• A. ECAs require no special measures.
• B. ECAs impose stricter limits on sulfur and nitrogen oxides; ships must use low-sulfur fuels or equivalent measures, influencing cleaning device fuels and processes during port calls.
• C. ECAs apply only to fishing vessels.
• D. ECAs ban cleaning devices.

Answer: (B)