There is a range of environmental legislation driving the implementation of environmental solutions in the maritime and offshore industry. The MARPOL Annexes is the most important global treaty for the prevention of pollution from the operation of ships – both accidental and from routine operations – and it applies to ships of all types.

It is administered by the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

For more information visit IMO, and select Marine Environment. Please click the related links in the right column to access.

Here is an overview of some current environmental legislation:

Emissions to air                                                                                                 
MARPOL Annex VI – Control of emissions to air
Kyoto Protocol – Requires reduction of CO₂
Montreal Protocol – Ozone depletion, reduction of green house gases

Waste management 
MARPOL Annex I – Oil pollution prevention
MARPOL Annex V - Handling of garbage
‘German Rule’ – Sludge disposal regulation below 1.5% per day

Water treatment                                                                                             
MARPOL Annex I – Oil pollution prevention                                                      
MARPOL Annex II – Control of harmful chemicals   
MARPOL Annex IV – Treatment of sewage
IMO International convention of Ballast Water Management
US Clean Water Act