The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and reduce pollution from ships. They set the standards for emissions on ships of all types, (including container and general cargo vessels).

The IMO has adopted measures to reduce air pollution from ships as well as energy efficiency measures including the Energy Efficiency Design Index, which is mandatory for new ships, and the requirement for a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, for all ships.