MARPOLÜbereinkommen

The MARPOL Convention, officially the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, is a key international treaty administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its primary goal is to prevent and minimize pollution of the marine environment by ships, both accidental and operational. MARPOL establishes a comprehensive framework to prevent discharges of polluting substances from ships.

The Convention is structured into six technical annexes, each addressing a different category of pollution. Annex I covers regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil. Annex II deals with the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk. Annex III provides for the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form. Annex IV addresses the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships. Annex V focuses on the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. Finally, Annex VI sets standards for the prevention of air pollution from ships.

MARPOL lays down specific requirements for ship construction, equipment, operation, and management to prevent pollution. It also mandates procedures for reporting pollution incidents and for enforcing its provisions. Compliance with MARPOL is crucial for the sustainable operation of the global shipping industry and the protection of marine ecosystems.