The diploma thesis explores the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in regulating maritime transport and protecting the marine environment. The thesis addresses key conventions and measures adopted by the IMO, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM), and the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS).
In the first part of the thesis, maritime activities are explored and their environmental impacts are analysed, along with future challenges faced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including new environmental issues and technological advancements such as digitalization and the automation of ships. The possible effects of these technologies on the environment are also discussed, along with proposals for sustainable management of maritime resources.
Next, the history, structure, and operations of the IMO are presented, with a focus on its role in reducing maritime pollution. A detailed analysis of the MARPOL Convention's annexes follows, describing the technical requirements and standards for preventing marine pollution from oil, hazardous substances, waste, ballast water, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the task covers concrete examples of major tanker disasters, such as Exxon Valdez, Amoco Cadiz, Deepwater Horizon, and Prestige, as well as the IMO's impact on mitigating the consequences of such incidents.
Furthermore, the thesis investigates future challenges faced by IMO, including emerging environmental issues and technological advancements such as the digitization and automation of ships. The potential effects of these technologies on the environment are presented, along with proposals for sustainable management of maritime resources.
|
