Map layers help you better understand regulations, environmental conditions, and operational risks at sea. ShipAtlas offers a range of layers to support safer and more informed decision-making.
❗Note: Map layers are not available when using the satellite map style.
Available map layers
ShipAtlas provides the following map layers:
ECA/SECA
INL
Polar
Sea ice
Canals
EEZ
Load Lines
Anti-shipping activity
War zones
Wind farms
💡Tip: You can enable multiple map layers at the same time.
ECA / SECA
ECA/SECA stands for Emission Control Area / Sulphur Emission Control Area.
These are designated sea areas where ships must follow stricter rules to reduce air pollution, especially sulphur emissions from fuel.
As of January 1, 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced global regulations requiring vessels to reduce sulphur content in fuel from 3.5% to 0.5% across all seas.
However, stricter limits still apply in certain ECAs defined under MARPOL Annex VI (Regulation 14). In these areas — such as the North American region, US Caribbean, North Sea, and Baltic Sea — the sulphur limit is 0.10%.
Some countries have introduced even stricter rules within their ECA/SECA zones.
Tap any highlighted zone on the map to view its specific regulations.
INL
INL stand for International Navigating Limits, and defines the geographical limits where vessels can operate without additional insurance premiums from hull and machinery insurers.
Tap an area on the map to view detailed information about the limits.
Polar zones
This layer highlights areas covered by the IMO Polar Code, which regulates vessel operations in polar waters.
The Polar Code includes requirements for:
Safety measures (how vessels must operate safely in harsh conditions)
Pollution prevention (how vessels must protect the environment)
Tap a polar zone on the map to learn more.
Sea ice
This layer shows the current extent of sea ice, updated daily from NSIDC.
Canals
This layer highlights major canals.
Tap a canal on the map to view applicable restrictions and details.
EEZ
This layer displays the Exclusive Economic Zones of each country.
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) are sea areas where a country has the right to use and manage natural resources, such as fishing, oil, and gas.
These zones extend up to 200 nautical miles from the country’s coastline.
Tap an EEZ on the map to see which country controls the zone.
Load lines
This layer shows load line zones, including the periods when deadweight restrictions apply.
A load line indicates the maximum depth a vessel can be safely loaded to, ensuring it has enough freeboard (distance between the waterline and deck) for safe operation.
Tap a zone to view the applicable dates and restrictions.
Anti-shipping activity
This layer highlights areas where anti-shipping incidents have occurred within the last 365 days.
Tap a highlight to view a description of the incident.
War zones
This layer highlights regions with increased risk or active conflict, as defined by the Joint War Committee, which may affect navigation and operations.
Tap a war zone on the map to learn more.
Wind farms
This layer displays offshore wind farms.
Tap a wind farm on the map to view details such as:
Project status (e.g. approved or operational)
Power capacity (in MW)
Year of development
You are now ready to use map layers to gain better insights and make more informed decisions in ShipAtlas.