Overview of MARPOL ANNEX VI regulations for prevention of air pollution from marine diesel engines

Increased international awareness of growing global air pollution issues resulted in adoption of measures necessary to reduce ships’ emissions into the atmosphere. The MARPOL convention with 1997 Protocol amendments included a new Annex VI which for the first time regulates harmful compounds emitted from ships on international voyages. The Parties of the 1997 Protocol have incorporated the MARPOL convention regulations within their own national legislation., An International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificate is issued to ships flying their flag by a recognized organization/classification society. The IAPP certificate serves as proof of a ship’s compliance with these regulations, thus assuring a ships’ seaworthiness. This paper summarises the most important provisions of Annex VI as applied to air pollutants from marine diesel engines, namely nitrogen and sulphur oxides, particulate matter and carbon dioxide. Recent studies proved that once adopted, Annex VI regulations have positive effect on the reduction of air pollution from ships. The Annex VI regulations present a major challenge and obligation to stakeholders in the shipping industry. Marine diesel engines are the most common choice to propel merchant ships compared with competitive alternatives. Engine manufacturers are particularly affected, as these regulations have necessitated the development of cleaner marine diesel engines and additional innovative technological solutions.