Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance, Sixth Edition provides an accessible entry point into the constantly evolving regulations and operational considerations that make shipping an even greener industry. By explaining the relationship between shipping and the environment, this guide helps crew and shoreside staff understand not only what environmental requirements are in place but why these regulations matter. 

Building on the success of the previous editions, the sixth edition has been updated to reflect the latest industry environmental developments. Readers can expect an overview on: 

• The latest environmental regulations, with key differences highlighted between international, national and regional regulations, as well as updates specific to US requirements;
• Emerging technologies and operational practices as examples of environmental improvements that can be delivered at sea and ashore; and
• Future regulatory developments on exhaust gas cleaning systems discharges, control of invasive aquatic species, MARPOL Annex IV and other areas likely to affect future operations. 

Designed to support real-world application, the guide also includes a compliance checklist to help companies verify their safety management systems and ship operations align with current environmental requirements. 

Everyone in the industry has a part to play in reducing shipping’s environmental footprint. Shipping and the Environment equips maritime professionals with the knowledge needed to do just that.  

Forward

 As the backbone of our hyper-connected world, international shipping has established itself as a truly global industry. Moving over 11 billion tonnes of goods annually, it accounts for more than 90% of global trade — directly sustaining human populations by delivering essential food, housing materials and mobility. Today, a world fleet of more than 100,000 merchant ships fly the flags of over 150 nations, crewed by two million seafarers of almost every nationality.

The unique status of shipping is encapsulated by its capacity for mass transit. Every year, ships move a vast diversity of essential cargoes, including over 2 billion tonnes of crude oil, 1 billion tonnes of iron ore, and 350 million tonnes of grain. This colossal volume is entirely beyond the capacity of road, rail or air transport. These vital raw materials form the physical bedrock of national economies, empowering countries to build infrastructure, construct cities, feed populations, manufacture goods and drive international commerce.

Beyond its sheer scale, maritime logistics offers the most cost-effective transport mechanism on earth. Sea transport contributes just 0.3p to the £2.50 cost of a cup of coffee, 20p to the £5.00 cost of a bottle of wine, and $5 to the $100 price of a running shoe. This underscores shipping’s unique ability to distribute consumer goods cheaply, efficiently, and with a minimal environmental footprint. Yet, while shipping remains the most carbon-efficient mode of commercial transport per tonne, the industry faces an urgent mandate to eliminate its ecological impact. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, reducing localized air pollution and ensuring sustainable ship recycling require deep multilateral cooperation. In alignment with international climate goals, the maritime sector has set ambitious decarbonization targets. This transition is underpinned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has driven the global regulatory frameworks safeguarding our marine environments for nearly six decades.

Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance, Sixth Edition provides an accessible entry point into the constantly evolving regulations and operational considerations that make shipping an even greener industry. By explaining the relationship between shipping and the environment, this guide helps crew and shoreside staff understand not only what environmental requirements are in place but why these regulations matter.

Building on the success of the previous editions, the sixth edition has been updated to reflect the latest industry environmental developments. Readers can expect an overview on:

• The latest environmental regulations, with key differences highlighted between international, national and regional regulations, as well as updates specific to US requirements;
• Emerging technologies and operational practices as examples of environmental improvements that can be delivered at sea and ashore; and
• Future regulatory developments on exhaust gas cleaning systems discharges, control of invasive aquatic species, MARPOL Annex IV and other areas likely to affect future operations.

Designed to support real-world application, the guide also includes a compliance checklist to help companies verify their safety management systems and ship operations align with current environmental requirements.

By defining the distinct roles of international bodies, national authorities, and industry stakeholders, this publication clarifies the governance framework required to navigate these changes. As international standards continue to tighten, the shipping industry must remain agile, ensuring marine conservation remains central to global trade. Driven by IMO commitments, policymakers, industry leaders and crews share a collective responsibility for the choices we make, the regulations we enact, and the legacy we leave behind.

Contents Listing

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Overview 

1.2 What shipping does and how 

1.2.1 Global supply chains 

1.2.2 The global fleet 

1.3 Design and building 

1.3.1 Ship operations during a ship’s lifetime 

Chapter 2 Controlling and mitigating the risk of marine pollution

2.1 What is marine pollution? 

2.2 Sources and the effect of marine pollution 

2.3 Who regulates protection of the marine environment? 

2.3.1 The United Nations 

2.3.2 The International Maritime Organization 

2.3.3 Flag states 

2.3.4 Port state control 

2.3.5 Coastal states 

2.3.6 Class inspections 

2.3.7 Vetting inspections 

2.4 Marine pollution associated laws and mitigations 

2.4.1 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships

2.4.2 Ballast water 

2.4.3 Biofouling 

2.4.4 International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil Pollution Casualties, 1969 

Additional Information