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During its 83rd session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) made a significant decision regarding the regulation of emissions from ships.
Overview of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of global shipping while also aiming to reduce marine and atmospheric pollution caused by ships.
IMO plays a key role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which emphasizes the sustainable use and conservation of oceans and marine ecosystems.
While the organization establishes global maritime regulations related to safety, environmental protection, and security, the enforcement of these rules lies with individual member states. Once adopted, these regulations are incorporated into the national laws of each country.
Additionally, the IMO addresses maritime legal issues, including compensation, liability, and the smooth movement of maritime traffic.
Originally formed as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) in 1948, it officially became a UN agency in 1959 and was renamed the IMO in 1982. The organization, headquartered in London, has 174 member nations.
IMO’s Organizational Framework
- Assembly: The highest decision-making body, composed of all member nations, convenes biennially to approve the budget, set the work agenda, and elect Council members.
- Council: Functions as the executive body and supervises IMO’s operations between Assembly sessions.
- Committees: The IMO has five main committees that draft policies and regulations. One of the most important is the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
- Funding: The organization is financed through compulsory contributions from member states, supplemented by voluntary donations and income from commercial activities.
About the MARPOL Convention
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the key global agreement addressing ship-sourced pollution, both accidental and operational.
First adopted in 1973 and later strengthened by a 1978 Protocol following a series of oil tanker accidents, MARPOL now comprises six technical annexes aimed at controlling various forms of marine pollution:
- Annex I: Prevention of oil pollution (e.g., oil spills, bilge discharge)
- Annex II: Regulation of harmful liquid substances transported in bulk
- Annex III: Control of hazardous substances in packaged form
- Annex IV: Management of sewage discharge from vessels
- Annex V: Regulation of waste disposal at sea
- Annex VI: Limitation of air pollution from ships (e.g., sulfur and nitrogen oxides)
India is a party to MARPOL and implements its provisions through national legislation.
