The introduction of new emissions control areas (ECA) off the coastal waters of the US and Canada promise great changes for shipping in the region. regulations coloured many of the topics discussed at the North American Committee of Germanischer Lloyd (GL), which met at the Hotel Delta in Quebec City this week. The Committee examined such topics as GL's activities, both globally and in the Americas, ship efficiency, the rising importance of natural gas for the maritime industry, the technical challenges facing shipping in reducing emissions and upcoming regulations. The Committee, which only celebrated its inauguration in 2010, is made up of representatives from Canadian and American ship owners and operators…