Environment and climate protection

The international shipping industry is a pioneer in global environment protection. Since the 1950s, it has adopted mandatory, globally uniform rules, many of them under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency of the United Nations based in London. The most important regulatory basis is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which sets global standards for handling oil, chemicals, waste, and emissions to air.

As a member of the German delegation to the IMO, the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), working together with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), participates actively in the processes of the organisation. The ICS is the global trade association for shipowners and operators. Both aim to influence environmental regulations to ensure they are ecologically effective and economically viable – for the protection of people, nature and the marine environment.

This applies to the areas of activity such as:

• Avoiding marine pollution – for example, by collecting and properly disposing of residual materials and waste
• Preserving biodiversity – for example, by taking measures against hull fouling, avoiding underwater noise and treating ballast water
• Reducing air pollution, especially in coastal regions – e.g. by installing exhaust gas filters and using low-sulphur fuels
• Avoiding contamination by promoting environmentally responsible recycling of ships while ensuring the best possible utilisation of recycled materials

Significant progress has been made in all of these areas in recent decades thanks to the progressive tightening of the relevant international regulations and a comprehensive control regime. Against the backdrop of worsening climate change, the green transformation of shipping has recently become a major focus of attention. The goal is to:

• Limit greenhouse gas emissions – through the use of energy-efficient technologies and climate-neutral fuels

VDR member companies are taking responsibility by utilising available technical options to keep the carbon footprint of their ships as small as possible and bring it down to zero in the long term.

If you want climate protection at sea, you must actively involve shipping and support it fairly.

Dr Gaby Bornheim, President VDR

Our other areas of activity