From ballast water to harmful air emissions: How to reduce the impact of shipping on the pollution of the marine environment – A review

Abstract

Due to increasing concerns regarding the adverse effects of the maritime industry on the marine environment, there is a growing number of environmental studies. This paper aims to provide an overview of marine pollution caused by shipping, which includes different pollutants from harmful air emissions to noise pollution, potential threats to environmentally sensitive or protected areas and to the whole marine environment. Descriptive research method is used to determine challenges on environmental pollution subject, with aim to contribute to the minimization of pollution. Paper presents how, while in recent years social responsibility awareness has grown stronger among shipping companies and while states have developed and implemented strategies and regulatory reforms that establish principles to prevent pollution, there is much space left for improvement. Technologies must further be researched, as there are long-term benefits of further pollution reduction.