Regional work on prevention of pollution from ships in the Baltic Sea – A paradox or a global forerunner?

This article highlights the potential of regional organizations for preparing and following-up International Maritime Organization's (IMO) decisions aiming to reduce pollution from ship based sources. The work of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) in the Baltic Sea region on air pollution (SOx and NOx emission control), sewage from passenger ships and ballast water management (ballast water exchange and exemptions) is used an example. While the described initiatives have emerged, matured and are followed-up within a regional cooperation framework based on the 1992 Helsinki Convention and its Annex IV, they have been drafted with the IMO framework in mind and have gained international legal status. The resulting IMO rules have led to substantial reductions in pollution to the Baltic Sea. Besides synergy with IMO and EU policy also, common features in the described successful initiatives include long term work, usually a decade from launch to IMO decision, active lead countries, close cooperation with industry and civil society as well cooperation between different constituents of national administration.