The development of global maritime trade has experienced significant growth over the past 30 years. The increased number of ships worldwide multiplies the ecological risk factors associated with international shipping. The international legal principle of freedom of navigation increasingly conflicts with the concerns for protecting the marine environment. The question of who holds the rights to exercise ecologically motivated intervention and control over ships passing through different maritime zones is gaining importance. Against this backdrop, this work examines not only international agreements regarding specific intervention rights in international shipping but also current measures and initiatives of the international community, as well as new and revised treaties, to assess whether a shift from flag state to coastal state competencies is achievable and has already been reflected in international agreements.