A proactive international regulation system based on technological innovations against emerging environmental threats

The adoption and enforcement of most conventions and regulations have been triggered by a series of disasters that had devastating effects on the marine environment. To improve the safety levels at sea and at the same time to protect the marine environment, it is imperative that the major shipping nations must ratify and make domestic law the international rules. Consequently, MARPOL, other conventions and codes refer to significant actions for minimising most pollution threats to the marine environment. So, member-states through their national ship-owners must comply with every new or amended regulation. This paper will focus on types of pollution that are not covered by any international legislation or are at a preliminary stage for future implementation. These types are: (i) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), (ii) Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), (iii) SOx Scrubbers Wash Water.