Environmental protection
Maritime shipping is the backbone of global trade: more than 80 percent of global goods transport occurs via sea. In comparison to other modes of transport such as airplane or truck, shipping has a significantly higher energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions per transported ton. This is an important contribution to ressource-saving supply to the world economy.
Despite all of these advantages, maritime shipping is not free of environmental impacts. Emissions from combustion of marine fuels - among which are sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and CO2 - affect air and climate. Discharges of oil, chemicals, sewage as well as garbage, underwater noise and the introdution of non-indigenous marine organisms with ballast water or biofouiling endanger sensitive ecosystems of the seas.
As shipping has always been a global business, most regulations for the protection of the marine environment are established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). One central regulatory instrument in this context is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, in short: MARPOL.
The German Flag State Administration is deeply involved in the discussions and decision-making processes at the IMO as well as fo regional marine environment protection agreements (in partucular HELCOM for the Baltic Sea and OSPAR for the North-Eastern Atlantic).
Technologies, regulations and insights regarding environmental impacts of maritime shipping are continuously developing. In relation to this research projects are initiated and their results play a part on international, regional and national platforms. Information on research projects can be found on the website of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).