Ships and Their Impact on the Marine Environment A Descriptive and Analytical Study with a Special Focus on the Libyan Coast and the Mediterranean Sea
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/7ne8wb90Keywords:
Ships; marine pollution; marine environment; Libya; Mediterranean Sea; MARPOL; ballast water; air emissionsAbstract
This research paper examines the impacts of ships on the marine environment as a phenomenon of growing global importance, with an analytical focus on the Mediterranean Sea and the Libyan coast. Libya, with its ~1,970 km coastline and its commercial and oil ports, represents a significant case for studying shipping-related environmental pressures in semi-enclosed basins. The paper adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology based on a review of peer-reviewed literature and official reports of IMO, UNEP/MAP and REMPEC, in addition to published Libyan field studies. The study concludes that ships contribute to marine pollution through multiple pathways: oil and chemical pollution, ballast water carrying invasive species, air emissions, underwater noise, and solid waste including microplastics. Libyan literature documents contamination of the ports of Tripoli, Benghazi, Tobruk, Bardia and Misratah with oil, heavy metals and microplastics. The paper recommends strengthening environmental monitoring, developing port reception facilities, and updating national legislation in line with MARPOL and the Mediterranean SOx Emission Control Area that entered into force in 2025.
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