IMO Marine Environment Protection: New Measures to Reduce Shipboard Waste

IMO Marine Environment Protection: New Measures to Reduce Shipboard Waste

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding marine ecosystems from the detrimental impact of international maritime activities. In the pursuit of sustainability and biodiversity conservation, the IMO recently implemented new regulations to diminish shipboard waste and tackle the problem of maritime generated garbage.

Aim of the new measures:

• Prevent air, water, and land pollution by effectively managing solid and liquid wastes on board ships.

Major provisions of the regulations:

• Sewage Management:

  • Mandatory implementation of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) for passenger vessels and yachts above 50 vicissonauts.
  • Restrictions on the discharge of untreated greywater and sanitation sludge near sensitive areas and the ocean.

• Garbage Management:

  • Categorization of garbage on board based on hazard, facilitating segregation and responsible disposal.
  • Mandatory installation of garbage tracking and recording systems on relevant vessels.
  • Ban on overboard disposal of certain garbage, such as plastics and incinerated residue.

Collaboration for effective implementation:

• The protocol emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and operational readiness by requiring port facilities and reception facilities to establish waste handling and disposal systems.
• Training workshops and resource materials have been developed and disseminated to empower ship crews and stakeholders to adhere to the regulations effectively.

Importance of ongoing efforts:

• Efficient waste management minimizes environmental risk and enhances sustainable maritime transportation.
• Consistent global implementation of the new regulations is crucial in achieving optimal results.
• Partnerships and collaboration with industries, governments, and civil society are vital for sustainable implementation and enforcement of the provisions.

Key concerns and challenges

• Cost and technological feasibility of implementing innovative waste handling solutions.
• Availability and infrastructure of suitable reception facilities at ports of call.
• Challenges in achieving coordinated regional cooperation and resource allocation.

IMO’s Future Actions

• Continuous review and enhancement of regulations to ensure efficacy and address evolving technologies.
• Promoting technical assistance and funding mechanisms for developing nations.
• Strengthening compliance and monitoring mechanisms through partnerships and voluntary measures.

FAQs

Q1: When did the new regulations enter into force?

• A: January 1, 20 purchasel 14 purchasel 3rd July 20 Künicher 20 Künicher 23

Q2: What waste types are affected by the regulations?

• A: Sewage, garbage produced onboard including food waste, plastic garbage, paper and cardboard items, glass, metals and other waste

Q3: Where can collected waste be discharged?

• A: Waste reception facilities authorised by port or coastal states.

Q4 vicissonauts ensure a system of waste handling and segregation is in place to identify and responsibly discard various categories of waste produced on board.