Governance & Policy
MARPOL
The main IMO treaty preventing ship-source pollution, with six annexes covering oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, air emissions and harmful substances.
Definition
MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, adopted in 1973 and modified by the 1978 Protocol, is the principal global treaty on ship-source pollution. Its six annexes regulate oil discharges, noxious liquid substances, packaged harmful substances, sewage, garbage and air emissions from ships, including sulphur limits that took effect in 2020.
Quick reference
At a glance
- Subject
- Governance & Policy
- Editorial status
- Editorial draft
- Definition status
- Established
- Last updated
- 19 August 2026
- Also known as
- MARPOL 73/78 · International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Overview
What it means
Nearly every commercial ship on the ocean operates under MARPOL's discharge and emissions rules, enforced through port state control.
How it is used
Ship operators manage oily-water and garbage record books; the 2020 sulphur cap reshaped marine fuels; its energy-efficiency rules now drive shipping decarbonisation.
Why it matters
Shipping moves ninety percent of world trade; MARPOL is where its pollution rules actually live.
Review
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