IMO Welcomes First Global Marine Biology Treaty in International Waters
, enforced through a well-established system of flag, coastal and port State control.IMO instruments that actively contribute to the conservation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, include, among others:International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution by Ships (MARPOL) International Ballast Water Management Convention, which aims to prevent the transfer of potentially invasive aquatic species; andLondon Convention and Protocol, regulating the dumping of wastes at sea.A new legally-binding framework is currently being developed to address shipsʹ biofouling
Witherbys to Introduce New Oceanographic Research Vessel from 2026
than 30,000 nautical miles.In addition, the vessel will enable Witherbys to continue to expand and improve its publications on maritime security, environmental protection and shipboard operations by providing facilities for research on emerging security issues, environmental compliance in accordance with MARPOL regulations, and energy efficiency solutions.Collaborative work with partners such as ICS and BIMCO will ensure guidance remains current and in line with international standards
IMO Calls for Action After UN Ocean Conference
;• Global Industry Alliance (GIA) for Marine Biosafety, bringing together committed leaders from ocean-based industries to support IMO climate and ocean action via improved biofouling management.Marine plastic pollutionIMO’s International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL, Annex V) prohibits the discharge into the marine environment of most types of garbage from ships, including plastics, and outlines standards for waste management. The London Convention/Protocol bans deliberate dumping of wastes at sea. In line with this, the IMO is taking the following initiatives:
Opinion: Stronger Regulations Needed to Protect Our Oceans
water treatment system will pollute the oceans for the next 25 years.This is a hidden crisis that fails to reach the public even though it is pretty established among those ever sailed on a commercial vessel and even some regulatory bodies, yet its impact on our marine ecosystems is devastating.The MARPOL Convention, which governs ship pollution, is simply not enough. The regulations allow ships to meet minimal standards, enabling them to operate with wastewater treatment systems that fail to properly handle harmful substances. These ships continue to release pollutants such as black, grey and oily
New Report Tracks Sources of Marine Litter
the form of solid waste, waste from cargo holds (e.g. wire straps, packaging materials, plastic sheets, boxes etc.), waste generated during the normal operations of the ships, personal litter from individuals onboard, debris from vessel wear and tear, and sewage (although this is regulated by IMO's MARPOL treaty, accidental discharges occur occasionally). Microplastics from shipping and boating are also highlighted in the report as are shipwrecks, lost containers and cargo. In addition to impacting marine life, affecting coastal areas and potentially damaging other ships, litter from shipping and
Ocean Trash: Putting a Price Tag on "Cleaning up Tuna Nets and Flip Flops" on the Aldabra Atoll
are now not only integrating the project into our management plan, but also ensuring its research informs Seychelles actions and policies’Largely in response to this clean-up and other similar efforts by local conservation organisations, the Seychelles Government decided to accede to the remaining MARPOL annexes in 2019; most importantly it acceded to Annex V- Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships
Will 2020 be the year for Subsea Mining?
the Flag State authority of the Mining support vessel. All of these will enforce specific safety and environmental protection regulations.International Classification Societies – Much like the established conventions for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Prevention of Pollution from Ships(MARPOL), International Classification Societies are recognized by the signatory states of these conventions and by Coastal State authorities as competent to monitor compliance with the conventions. These societies have established themselves as well positioned to verify compliance as third parties
New GNS Voyager Planning Station Ready
The maritime services group Global Navigation Solutions (GNS) has announced a further enhancement to its Voyager Planning Station (VPS), with the addition of tools to manage compliance with special environmental requirements under International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL regulations.The specialist providers of maritime navigation information, solutions and support to the global shipping industry said in a press release that the upgrade comes as part of the release of Voyager 7.3.4, making it easier for users to manage MARPOL compliance with designated Special Areas, Emission Control Areas and
Asian Ports to Use Handheld XRF Analyzer
XRF analyzer.The Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation informed that it has recently delivered X-MET8000’s to both the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as they get ready to enforce the IMO’s (International Maritime Organization) MARPOL Annex VI regulation that will come into force on 1 January 2020.The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, required a fuel oil sulfur content test kit, awarded Hitachi High-Tech the contract for supply of a X-MET8000 in May 2019.The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has also bought an X-MET8000
February 2026
