Division 11

We reaffirm our joint commitment to the prevention of marine pollution affecting air quality by collaboration on, and collective contribution to, implementation and enforcement of international marine pollution rules and standards, also ensuring a level playing field for economic operators. We reiterate the success of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/802^f1 reflecting the low sulphur requirements for SOx-Emission Control areas (0,10 % of maximum sulphur content as of 2015) and we recall as well the latest IMO commitments to ensure the consistent implementation of the global sulphur cap (0,50 % as of 2020) under Annex VI to the MARPOL Convention. The coordinated and robust enforcement regime for these requirements, including in the North Sea SOx-Emission Control Area, together with a high compliance rate of ships across the EU, resulted in significant reductions of sulphur dioxide pollution in coastal regions and cities. We welcome the development of our joint commitment to collectively contribute to the surveillance for the enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI, and the entry into force of the North Sea as a NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) Emission Control Area (NECA) from 2021. The Contracting Parties retain the right to freely choose their means of participation for the surveillance measures.