The following guidance documents apply to marine fuel used in ocean-going vessels. All vessels that operate in the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) are required to be in compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Annex VI ECA fuel oil sulfur standard. Beginning in 2015, large marine diesel engines propelling large ships and ocean-going vessels (Category 3 Engines) operating within the ECAs must generally use fuel with 1,000 ppm sulfur or less.

• EPA Guidance on ECA Marine Fuel (PDF)(8 pp, 166 K, December 2014)
• Category 3 Marine and MARPOL Annex VI Fuel Sulfur Requirements (PDF)(1 pg, 33 K, January 2011)