This thesis explores the various environmental pollutants that arise from maritime transport and the ways in which we are trying to reduce or eliminate them altogether. Ships are an efficient method of transporting cargo, but they still release huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Developing alternative energy sources is key to reducing emissions. The discharge of ballast water is tightly regulated and the possibility of the appearance of new invasive species is drastically reduced due to the chemical and physical treatment of ballast water. Oil and chemical spills are very acute accidents that are difficult to ignore. Through a thorough investigation of previous accidents, guidelines were established for the proper remediation of individual spills and the extreme importance of a quick reaction by regulatory bodies. Certain pollutants cannot be completely removed but are mostly mitigated by improving operating procedures that reduce the amount of pollution, such as in the case of underwater noise, dry bulk cargo, ballast water and greenhouse gas emissions. International cooperation in setting new regulations and continuous technological progress is key to achieving a clean environment. Investments in maritime infrastructure and ongoing research into human impact on the environment lay essential foundations for the realization of a sustainable maritime industry.