Bahrain’s Shura Council has approved Decree No 7 of 2026, allowing the kingdom to accede to MARPOL Annex VI and move closer to tighter controls on ship emissions, according to the Shura Council.
The draft law covers Bahrain’s accession to the annex of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which regulates air pollution from vessels through rules on fuel use, engines and ship operations.
Bader Hood Al Mahmood, undersecretary for ports and maritime affairs at Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, told the chamber that Bahrain had assessed whether the requirements could be implemented “operationally, financially and technically”.
He said the annex covers two main areas: fuel used by ships and engines that produce emissions. Bahrain is ready to apply the requirements through its ports, ship operators and relevant authorities.
The vote follows earlier approval by Bahrain’s lower house of parliament. The measure is intended to align Bahrain with international environmental standards, support its National Air Quality Strategy and contribute to its target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.
The Shura Council is the upper chamber of Bahrain’s National Assembly and forms part of the kingdom’s bicameral legislature.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications is a government ministry responsible for transport, communications, ports and maritime affairs.
