(NEWS) IMO Expert Lectures on MARPOL

February

2026

IMO Expert Lectures on MARPOL

From 23 to 24 February, Dr John Calleya, Technical Officer, Subdivision for Protective Measures, Marine Environment Division for the International Maritime Organization (IMO), contributed to the Maritime Energy Management (MEM) specialization course, Energy Efficient Ship Design and Operation, offering students an updated perspective on current developments in maritime environmental regulation. His lectures provided an overview about the regulations addressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships, and discussed the evolving regulatory landscape for cleaner shipping.

Dr Calleya’s lectures primarily discussed the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). The main focus of his lectures was on compliance with MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 4, which comprises measures on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. His lectures highlighted recent progress and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction under MARPOL. Students also examined the international framework for preventing ship-source air pollution as regulated by MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 3, including regulations governing emissions of air pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and requirements related to fuel oil quality and availability. The sessions also explored emerging solutions and compliance approaches, including alternative fuels, scrubber systems, other regulated substances, and the role of Port State Control in enforcement.

Dr Calleya joined the IMO Secretariat in 2018 as an expert on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. His responsibilities include running the IMO Sulphur Monitoring Programme, the EEDI database and the IMO Data Collection System. Prior to joining the IMO Secretariat, Dr Calleya completed a PhD at UCL in designing ships with lower greenhouse gas emissions. He secured research funding to develop a holistic ship energy model, leading the engineering effort in the framework of a techno-economic shipping sector mathematical model.

The Malmö MSc in Maritime Affairs is a 14-month programme with seven specializations: Maritime Education & Training; Maritime Energy Management; Maritime Law & Policy; Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration; Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management; Port Management, and Shipping Management & Logistics. Foundation studies are taught in the first term and cover the introductory knowledge that is fundamental to all activities in the maritime field. Three successive terms focus on specialization studies and a dissertation. WMU has more than 80 Visiting Lecturers from around the world who contribute their expertise to enrich the education of WMU students.

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