Regulation of air pollution by ships under MARPOL Annex VI 4 November 2014 No.14-009 Download PDF (355KB) Members’ attention is drawn to the progressive reduction of air pollution limits by ships as well as the introduction of Emission Control Areas under the existing legislative framework. This Club Circular draws Members’ attention to the regulatory constraints and outlines how Members may ensure compliance. 1. MARPOL 73/78 – the regulatory instrument 1.1 The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973/1978(hereafter referred to as “MARPOL”) was adopted in response to a spate of tanker accidents in the 1970s and has been expanded subsequently to provide are regulatory regime akin to a maritime environmental law code. 1.2 Different annexes of MARPOL apply to different types of marine pollution. Annex I applies to oil, Annex II applies to noxious liquid substances, Annex III applies to harmful substances, Annex IV applies to sewage, Annex V applies to garbage and Annex VI applies to air pollution by sulphur oxide and nitrous oxide emissions. 1.3 We have dealt with Annex V in our circular of 3 September 2013. It may be downloaded from: https://www.piclub.or.jp/en/news/11587 1.4 This circular is in relation to Annex VI and the prevention of air pollution by ships. 1.5 Annex VI has been revised several times and may be downloaded from: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/AirPollution/Documents/Air%20pollution/Resolution%20MEPC.176(58)%20Revised%20MARPOL%20Annex%20VI.pdf ; and taking into consideration amongst other things the following subsequent amendments: http://www.imo.org/OurWork/Environment/PollutionPrevention/AirPollution/Documents/Technical%20and%20Operational%20Measures/Resolution%20MEPC.203(62).pdf 1.6 This circular contains sufficient information for Members to obtain an overview of Annex VI but Members are recommended to review for further details the relevant documents, which can be downloaded from the li