Environmental
EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) — Maritime
Phasing in
Effective:
Phased in from Jan 1, 2024; full 100% scope from Jan 1, 2026.
Coverage:
Cargo & passenger ships >5,000 GT calling at EU/EEA ports; offshore ships >5,000 GT from 2027.
Details:
Companies surrender EUAs for CO₂ (plus CH₄ & N₂O from 2026).
FuelEU Maritime Regulation
In force
Effective:
In force since Jan 1, 2025.
Coverage:
Commercial vessels >5,000 GT, regardless of flag, calling at EU/EEA ports.
Details:
Declining GHG-intensity limit on energy used on board — 2% cut in 2025, rising to 80% by 2050. Mandatory shore power at berth from 2030.
EU MRV Regulation
In Force
Effective:
In force since 2015; amended 2023 to align with EU ETS scope.
Coverage:
Ships >5,000 GT on voyages to, from, or between EU/EEA ports.
Details:
Mandatory annual monitoring, reporting & third-party verification of CO₂ emissions and voyage data, underpinning EU ETS allowance calculations.
UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) — Maritime
In Force
Effective:
In force since Jul 1, 2026; offshore ships join from Jan 1, 2027.
Coverage:
Cargo & passenger ships >5,000 GT on domestic UK-to-UK voyages and in UK ports.
Details:
Operators monitor, report & surrender allowances for CO₂, CH₄ & N₂O. International voyages not yet included, but under active consultation for future expansion.
IMO Net-Zero Framework (NZF)
Pending adoption
Effective:
Adoption is pending for decision.
Coverage:
To be decided.
Details:
Proposed global fuel-intensity standard combined with a GHG pricing/reward mechanism. Awaiting outcome of MEPC 85 (autumn 2026).
IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)
In force
Effective:
In force since Jan 1, 2023 (MARPOL Annex VI).
Coverage:
Cargo, tanker, cruise & other applicable ships >5,000 GT.
Details:
Rates each ship's annual operational carbon intensity A–E. Ships rated D for 3 years in a row must submit a corrective action plan.
IMO Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)
In force
Effective:
In force since Jan 1, 2023 (MARPOL Annex VI).
Coverage:
Existing ships >400 GT.
Details:
One-off technical efficiency benchmark for existing vessels, often requiring engine power limitation or efficiency retrofits to comply.
Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention
In force
Effective:
In force since Sept 8, 2017; survey/reporting rules strengthened by MEPC 84 amendments (2026).
Coverage:
All ships on international voyages carrying ballast water.
Details:
Requires ballast water & sediment management to the D-2 standard via an approved treatment system, preventing spread of invasive species.
Safety
SOLAS — Safety of Life at Sea
In force
Effective:
Adopted 1974, in force since May 25, 1980; amended regularly under tacit acceptance.
Coverage:
Merchant ships flagged by SOLAS Contracting Governments engaged in international voyages.
Details:
The core safety treaty — minimum standards for construction, equipment, fire protection, life-saving appliances and navigation.
STCW — Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping
In force
Effective:
Adopted 1978, in force since Apr 28, 1984; major revisions in 1995 and the 2010 Manila Amendments.
Coverage:
Masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts.
Details:
Sets global minimum standards for seafarer training, certification and competence, addressing the human element behind most maritime accidents.
International Convention on Load Lines
In force
Effective:
Adopted 1966, in force since Jul 21, 1968.
Coverage:
Cargo ships engaged in international voyages.
Details:
Sets minimum freeboard and reserve buoyancy limits, marked on the hull, to prevent overloading and preserve stability and watertight integrity.
Security
ISPS Code
In force
Effective:
Adopted Dec 2002, in force since Jul 1, 2004.
Coverage:
Passenger ships, cargo ships >500 GT on international voyages, and the port facilities serving them.
Details:
Mandatory security framework requiring Ship Security Plans, Security Officers and tiered security levels to counter piracy and terrorism threats.
Maritime Cyber Risk Management (MSC.428(98)
In force
Effective:
Adopted Jun 16, 2017; compliance required from the first annual DoC verification after Jan 1, 2021.
Coverage:
All ships' Safety Management Systems, as defined under the ISM Code.
Details:
Requires cyber risks to be appropriately addressed within existing Safety Management Systems, complemented by industry guidelines (e.g. BIMCO).
Labour
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)
In force
Effective:
In force since Aug 20, 2013 (varies by flag ratification date); amended in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Coverage:
Commercially operated ships >500 GT on international voyages, flagged by ratifying states.
Details:
The "fourth pillar" of maritime regulation — sets minimum standards for seafarers' working/living conditions, wages, rest hours, repatriation and welfare.
Pollution Prevention
MARPOL — Prevention of Pollution from Ships
In force
Effective:
Adopted 1973/1978, in force since Oct 2, 1983 (Annexes I & II); Annex VI in force since May 19, 2005.
Coverage:
All ships, across six Annexes covering oil, noxious liquids, harmful packaged substances, sewage, garbage and air pollution.
Details:
The core global convention preventing marine pollution from operational and accidental causes. (Annex VI's GHG/air-pollution measures are detailed separately above under Environmental.)
Other Links
World Shipping Council - Regulatory Filings
IMO Maritime Knowledge Centre (MKC)