Kiera Jefferson
The environmental impact of shipping includes air pollution and water pollution. Ships are responsible for 18% of nitrogen oxide pollution and 3% of greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulates pollution from ships through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). MARPOL has six annexes that tackle different types of pollution, including sewage, garbage, and air pollution. Despite these international regulations, ship-sourced marine pollution remains an issue due to factors such as a lack of waste reception facilities in certain regions. The shipping industry has recognized the growing importance of preserving the marine environment and has negotiated several international agreements to address pollution concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air Pollution | Greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, ozone, aerosols |
| Water Pollution | Greywater, sewage, ballast water, oil spills, plastic pollution |
| Other | Acoustic, anti-fouling systems |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution from ships
Marine shipping is the most energy-efficient way to move large volumes of cargo over long distances. However, the industry has a significant environmental impact due to its sheer size. Air pollution from ships is a major contributor to the total emissions from human sources.
Ship engines burn high-sulphur content fuel oil, also known as bunker oil, which produces sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter. These engines also emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons, leading to the formation of aerosols and secondary chemical reactions, including HCHO and ozone in the atmosphere. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified diesel exhaust as a likely human carcinogen, and it contributes to ozone and carbon monoxide non-attainment, or failure to meet air quality standards. The EPA also recognises the adverse health effects of ambient particulate matter concentrations, as well as visibility, haze, acid deposition, and eutrophication and nitrification of water.
The marine shipping industry is responsible for 18-30% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 9% of sulphur oxide emissions globally. These emissions have severe environmental and health consequences. Nitrogen oxides contribute to toxic algal blooms and decreased water oxygen levels, while sulphur oxides cause acid rain, which can travel hundreds of kilometres inland.
To combat air pollution from ships, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) has implemented regulations. These include the IMO's tiered approach to reducing NOx emissions for new ships, with Tier III requiring an 80% reduction for vessels constructed after January 1, 2016. Additionally, the IMO has reduced the permitted sulphur exhaust limit for all marine fuel from 3.5% to 0.5% outside ECAs. Furthermore, vessel operators and port facilities are adopting alternative energy sources, modifying ship components, and improving operational efficiencies to reduce air pollution.
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Water pollution from ships
Greywater, which refers to wastewater from sinks, showers, galleys, laundry, and cleaning activities aboard a ship, is another source of water pollution. Greywater can contain pollutants such as fecal coliform bacteria, detergents, oil and grease, metals, organic compounds, petroleum hydrocarbons, nutrients, food waste, and even medical and dental waste. Sampling by the EPA and the state of Alaska revealed that untreated greywater from cruise ships can have significantly higher levels of fecal coliform bacteria compared to typical untreated domestic wastewater.
Oil pollution is also a significant issue in water pollution from ships. Oil leaks from engine and machinery spaces, as well as engine maintenance activities, can mix with water in the bilge, the lowest part of the hull. Even after filtering and cleaning the bilge water, minute concentrations of oil can remain and be discharged, posing a threat to marine life. Some shipping companies have been found to violate regulations by bypassing the oily water separator and discharging untreated oily wastewater, leading to severe environmental consequences.
Ballast water discharges by ships can introduce invasive species and harmful organisms into new ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance and causing significant ecological damage. Additionally, the vast amount of solid waste generated by cruise ships, estimated at about 8 tons during a one-week cruise, contributes to plastic pollution in the oceans. With shipping identified as a key contributor to global plastic pollution, the improper disposal of waste from ships has far-reaching environmental implications.
To address these issues, international agreements such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) have been established. MARPOL includes regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil, noxious liquid substances, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, and garbage from ships. By implementing and enforcing these regulations, the aim is to minimise the water pollution caused by ships and protect the delicate marine environment.
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Oil pollution
Oil spills from ships can occur due to operational accidents or leaks, as highlighted by incidents like the Deepwater Horizon and Prestige oil tanker disasters. These spills can harm marine life, including birds, sea mammals, fish, algae, and coral. They also impact human activities such as fishing and tourism, with beaches and fisheries forced to close. Oil pollution can further contaminate drinking water supplies, posing risks to human health, including respiratory and reproductive issues, and liver and immune system damage.
The cleanup and recovery process after an oil spill is crucial but challenging. It can generate air pollutants such as nitric oxides, ozone, and soot particles. Additionally, oil can get stuck under quaysides and sea defences, acting as a continual source of contamination. Ports must manage and mitigate oil spills effectively to minimise disruptions to shipping operations and the environment.
To address oil pollution, international agreements and regulations have been established. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) includes regulations for preventing pollution by oil. The IMO has adopted strategies to reduce ship-source GHG emissions and set sulphur-emissions restrictions. Additionally, vessel operators and ports are implementing alternative energy sources and technologies to reduce emissions and pollution.
At an individual level, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommends several actions to prevent oil pollution, including proper disposal of oil, vehicle maintenance, oil recycling, and reporting of oil spills. These collective efforts aim to minimise the environmental, economic, and health impacts of oil pollution caused by ships and other sources.
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Sewage and garbage pollution
Marine sewage and garbage pollution is a pressing issue, with cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers and crew, generating massive amounts of waste. This waste includes sewage, wastewater (greywater), hazardous wastes, solid waste, oily bilge water, ballast water, and air pollution. The volume of waste produced by these ships can be comparable to that of a small city, with a large cruise ship producing about 170,000 gallons of sewage daily and an estimated 8 tons of solid waste in a one-week cruise.
Sewage pollution from ships is regulated under MARPOL Annex IV, which outlines requirements for sewage treatment and discharge. Ships are required to have an approved sewage treatment plant, a sewage comminuting and disinfecting system, or a sewage holding tank. Discharge of untreated sewage is generally prohibited, especially within designated Special Areas, and ships must meet certain standards for the rate of discharge. However, there are specific conditions under which untreated sewage discharge is allowed, such as at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.
Greywater, which includes wastewater from sinks, showers, galleys, laundry, and cleaning, can contain various pollutants, including fecal coliform bacteria, detergents, oil, grease, metals, and organic compounds. Untreated greywater from cruise ships has been found to have significantly higher levels of fecal coliform bacteria compared to untreated domestic wastewater, posing a risk to the environment.
Solid waste management on cruise ships is also a challenge. While most garbage is treated onboard through incineration, pulping, or grinding for discharge, certain materials like glass and aluminium cannot be incinerated. In such cases, off-loading garbage can strain port reception facilities, which are often inadequate for large passenger vessels. Plastic pollution is a significant concern, with shipping identified as a key contributor to global plastic pollution, accounting for approximately 20% of oceanic plastic waste.
To address these issues, various international protocols, such as MARPOL, and domestic laws, such as the Clean Water Act and the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships in the U.S., have been implemented. While some waste streams, like solid wastes and bilge water, appear to be well-regulated, there are gaps and overlaps in certain areas. States have also enacted specific laws; for example, California, Maine, and Alaska have implemented legislation regarding cruise ship pollution, including the treatment of greywater before discharge. Additionally, the cruise industry has voluntarily adopted initiatives to improve pollution prevention through waste management guidelines and the exploration of new technologies.
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Acoustic pollution
Marine mammals are highly sensitive to acoustic pollution, and it can impact their behaviour, physiology, and reproduction cycles. Studies have shown that continuous noise in the ocean is primarily generated by shipping activities, and the increasing pace of ship transportation has exacerbated this problem. The natural ocean soundscape has been altered, and marine animals are suffering the consequences.
The effects of acoustic pollution on marine life can be severe and even lead to death. Some marine animals flee their original habitats, leaving their feeding grounds and ending up hurt or dying. The use of sonar, for example, has been linked to the beaching of whales and dolphins in regions where such exercises are common.
To address these concerns, the International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) includes requirements to prevent the risk of exposure to hazardous levels of noise on board ships. Additionally, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has been adopted, mandating the construction of ships that reduce on-board noise and protect personnel.
Furthermore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued revised guidelines for reducing underwater radiated noise from shipping. These guidelines aim to mitigate the adverse impacts of noise on marine life and will be reviewed and revised as necessary. The IMO has also implemented routing measures to protect whales and other cetaceans from ship strikes during breeding seasons by keeping ships away from specified areas.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two main types of pollution caused by ships: water pollution and air pollution.
Water pollution from ships can be caused by oil spills, sewage, greywater, solid waste, and liquid and packaged waste within the scope of hazardous and noxious substances.
Air pollution from ships is generated by diesel engines that burn high-sulphur content fuel oil, also known as bunker oil, producing sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter, in addition to carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has specified international regulations through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which includes annexes addressing water and air pollution. The IMO has set goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships, with a net-zero emissions target by or around 2050.
