# MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Unlike SOLAS, which governs onboard safety, MARPOL addresses environmental protection: the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships is the IMO's principal environmental treaty, structured around six annexes covering oil residues, noxious liquid substances, harmful packaged goods, sewage, garbage, and air emissions.

Unlike SOLAS, which governs onboard safety, MARPOL addresses environmental protection: the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships is the IMO's principal environmental treaty, structured around six annexes covering oil residues, noxious liquid substances, harmful packaged goods, sewage, garbage, and air emissions. Shipowners must maintain Oil Record Books, segregate waste streams, operate approved treatment systems, and report any discharges. For freight forwarders and charterers, MARPOL compliance verification is standard due diligence; breaches attract substantial fines, port detentions, and – in cases of deliberate oil discharge – criminal liability. Annex VI, which caps sulphur content in marine fuels and drives the shift to low-sulphur fuels, exhaust gas scrubbers, or alternative energy sources, has particular commercial relevance.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-(MARPOL).aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-(MARPOL).aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 117 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-(MARPOL).aspx |

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