Air pollution is a global issue that is developing and has terrible consequences for both people and the environment. The purpose of this thesis is to address the role that the shipping industry plays in air pollution and the measures taken to minimize it. The primary factor contributing to pollution from ships is the fuel used for their propel. Specifically, the combustion of fossil fuel elements such as Sulphur and Nitrogen is triggering the extent of environmental issues. As sea trade is the major means of trading goods, actions were taken to eliminate its impact. Over the years, more directives and regulations emerged on global, local and national scale, in order to address this problem. Alongside, to be compliant, the shipping sector had to undergo some technical and/or operational adjustments, as well as the development of substitute and environmentally friendly fuels.