MARPOLsopimuksin

MARPOLsopimuksin, formally known as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, is the principal international convention that covers the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships, whether by operational or accidental causes. It is a global treaty adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate and minimize pollution of the sea from ships.

The convention is divided into six technical annexes, each addressing a different aspect of marine pollution. Annex I deals with the prohibition of oil pollution, including measures for the discharge and handling of oil residues. Annex II covers regulations for the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk. Annex III addresses the prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form. Annex IV pertains to the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships. Annex V deals with the prevention of pollution by garbage from ships. Finally, Annex VI sets out regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships, including controlling emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.

MARPOLsopimuksin is a comprehensive legal instrument that sets out mandatory standards for ship design, construction, equipment, manning, and operation to prevent and control pollution. It places responsibility on flag states to ensure that ships flying their flag comply with these regulations and on port states to enforce the convention for foreign ships entering their ports. Compliance with MARPOLsopimuksin is essential for the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable use of ocean resources.