London Protocol 1996

The 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (commonly the London Protocol) is the modernised treaty regime governing the deliberate disposal of wastes at sea from vessels, aircraft, and platforms. Adopted on 7 November 1996 and entering into force on 24 March 2006, it is intended to eventually replace the original 1972 London Convention (often called the London Dumping Convention) for parties to both instruments.

The Protocol marks a significant philosophical shift. Whereas the 1972 Convention used a "black list / grey list" approach—prohibiting certain substances while permitting others under licence—the Protocol adopts a reverse list under Article 4 and Annex 1: dumping of all wastes is prohibited unless the material falls within a short list of permitted categories (such as dredged material, sewage sludge, fish processing waste, vessels and platforms, and inert geological material), and even then only after assessment under Annex 2. The Protocol also codifies the precautionary approach (Article 3.1) and the polluter pays principle (Article 3.2), and prohibits the export of wastes to other countries for dumping or incineration at sea (Article 6).

Two amendments are particularly notable:

• The 2006 amendment to Annex 1 added carbon dioxide streams from CO₂ capture processes to the permitted list, enabling sub-seabed geological carbon sequestration.
• The 2013 amendment (not yet in force) introduced a binding framework on marine geoengineering, initially regulating ocean fertilisation experiments, following years of LC/LP resolutions on the topic.

Administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, the Protocol is implemented through annual Meetings of Contracting Parties. It is frequently invoked in debates on ocean dumping, CCS deployment, and proposed climate interventions such as ocean alkalinity enhancement.