US okays bill to cut marine pollution

In March, the US House of Representatives approved legislation to cut polluting emissions released by diesel-powered ships. Under the legislative initiative, the US coast guard and EPA will be given the authority to develop and enforce emission limits on thousands of domestic and foreign-flagged vessels that enter US waters each year. The legislation will also follow standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

However, implementation and enforcement of IMO standards will fall primarily to the flag states that hold primary jurisdiction over ships registered in their country. Currently, two-thirds of the world's container ships are registered in Asian ports. Since none of world's 14 major ocean shipping companies belong to the US, it is not surprising it is glad to enforce these standards.