Which Annex of MARPOL addresses air pollution from ships?

Annex VI of MARPOL, officially known as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, specifically addresses air pollution from ships. This annex was adopted to regulate airborne emissions from ships, which include sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter. By setting limits on these emissions, Annex VI aims to reduce the environmental impact of shipping and protect air quality.

This annex includes provisions to establish Emission Control Areas (ECAs) where stricter controls on emissions are implemented. It also sets out requirements for the use of fuel with lower sulfur content, thus directly addressing air pollution and promoting cleaner shipping practices.

The other annexes focus on different types of pollution; for example, Annex I deals with oil pollution, Annex V addresses garbage pollution, and Annex VII is related to the pollution caused by harmful substances in packaged form. Hence, they do not pertain to air pollution, which clearly identifies Annex VI as the relevant section regarding this matter.