Making ships cleaner: Reducing air pollution from international shipping

This article assesses the international legal framework for the reduction of air pollution from international shipping and the measures adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It sheds light on the difficulties and challenges in the IMO negotiations, the ensuing compromises, and the role and interests of the various stakeholders. It further identifies the inadequacies of the regulatory framework and the challenges in its implementation, and explores the prospects for the adoption of further measures to strengthen it. The article also evaluates unilateral measures adopted by port and coastal States, especially with respect to jurisdictional issues in their maritime zones. Finally, it assesses the role of private and hybrid initiatives and standards as part of a multi-actor governance system for tackling air pollution.