Bahrain Adopts MARPOL Annex VI for Cleaner Shipping and Emission Control
Bahrain has officially acceded to Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), reinforcing its commitment to reducing ship emissions, protecting marine ecosystems, and advancing sustainable maritime transport. The move aligns Bahrain’s maritime sector with global environmental regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and supports international efforts to achieve cleaner and more efficient shipping operations.
Under MARPOL Annex VI, Bahrain will implement stricter controls on air pollution from vessels, including limits on sulphur content in marine fuel, regulations on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from ship engines, and measures to reduce particulate matter and other harmful pollutants released by the maritime industry. The regulation also requires applicable ships to obtain an International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate and comply with energy efficiency requirements designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve vessel performance.
Bahrain had previously become a party to the MARPOL Convention and its Annexes I, II, and V through Law No. (32) of 2005. The accession to Annex VI expands the Kingdom’s maritime environmental obligations and strengthens its role in adopting international standards for sustainable shipping, pollution prevention, and maritime compliance.
Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs at Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, Bader Hood Al-Mahmoud, stated that the decision reflects Bahrain’s dedication to supporting global initiatives aimed at protecting marine environments and reducing emissions from shipping activities. He further highlighted that Bahrain will continue improving maritime inspection and monitoring systems to ensure vessels calling at Bahraini ports and ships registered under the national flag comply with the new environmental requirements.
The adoption of MARPOL Annex VI represents a significant step for Bahrain’s maritime industry as global shipping moves toward decarbonization, cleaner fuels, and environmentally responsible port operations. As regional maritime hubs face increasing pressure to meet International Maritime Organization climate targets, compliance with ship emission regulations can enhance Bahrain’s competitiveness in maritime logistics, attract sustainable shipping investments, and support the development of green port infrastructure in the Gulf region.
The implementation of stronger maritime pollution control measures is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce the environmental footprint of shipping activities, and strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional maritime hub committed to international environmental standards. The decision also reflects the wider transformation of the shipping industry, where emission reduction strategies, energy-efficient vessels, and sustainable maritime practices are becoming essential for the future of global trade.
