The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the World Bank are setting out the most crucial guidelines for exhaust gas emissions by diesel engines in ships or power plants. The IMO is a subordinate organisation to the United Nations and is responsible for global marine traffic. The aim is to draw up binding specifications relating to the following: safety, the environment, law and technical cooperation. The IMO has 169 member countries, is based in London and employs 300 people.
 
As regards the emissions of gases and particles that damage health, the IMO has defined binding threshold values whose second stage (known as Tier II) must be implemented worldwide since 2011. From 2016, the third stage (Tier III) will come into effect, with the threshold values stipulated in this stage primarily being relevant for coastal waters. Further measures, for instance for CO2 reduction, are being discussed. In order to comply with these upper emissions thresholds, ship operators and engine manufacturers are being obliged to take appropriate measures: The use of low-sulphur fuels, NOx-optimised engines, the more efficient use of fuels and an improved ship architecture are all part of this, for example.
 
The current World Bank guidelines for 2007/2008 also stipulate the threshold values for emissions, noise and water pollution in relation to the use of diesel engines in stationary power generation, i.e. in power plants. The guidelines do not have legal status, but they do form the basis of all the projects that are financed by the World Bank or its affiliated institutions. This ensures that only projects that do not harm the environment and offer a useful addition to the infrastructure of developing and emerging countries are encouraged and financed. Added to this in many cases are local legislative specifications. MAN Diesel & Turbo of course complies with or out-performs all the relevant regulations.