Vattenfall - London Protocol

Amendments to the London Protocol

Amendments to The London Protocol will change the conditions for regulations of storage of CO2 in sub-seabed geological formations.

The London Convention from 1972 is an international treaty that limits the discharge of wastes that are generated on land and disposed of at sea. Currently 81 states have signed, ratified or otherwise acceded to the convention. The 1996 Protocol is a separate agreement that modernised and updated the London Convention, the Protocol will eventually replace the Convention and so far 29 states have acceded to the 1996 Protocol. The 1996 Protocol takes a precautionary approach and prohibits the dumping of wastes at sea, except for certain substances, which are listed in the Annex 1 to the Protocol. On 2 November 2006 the Contracting Parties to the London Protocol adopted amendments to Annex 1 by adding “CO2 streams from CO2 capture processes” to this list. This means that a basis has been created in international environmental law to regulate storage of CO2 in sub-seabed geological formations. The amendment will enter into force 100 days after adoption, i.e. on 10 February 2007. The London Convention and Protocol have been established within IMO, the International Maritime Organization, which is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

For more information:

International Maritime Organization

The London Convention