Dialogue needed for implementation of port reception facilities for sewage

Bogdan Ołdakowski, BPO Secretary General, took part in the GreenPort Cruise Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. He presented a view of Baltic ports on planned regulations on mandatory delivery of sewage from passenger ships at port reception facilities.

According to last compromise between Baltic Sea countries new regulations will be enforced by July 2019 for new build ships and two years later for old ships. Following the outcomes of HELCOM report on Baltic Sea Sewage Port Reception Facilities one third of cruise ships use PRFs while in ports. There are 33 Baltic ports listed in the report with detailed information on cruise ships movements, what PRFs are available and what is planned concerning PRFs.

Some Baltic ports have already installed adequate facilities and many others are on the process of planning such facilities. However, quite many ports are facing the real challenge when discussing the technological solutions with municipal wastewater companies as they consider sewage from passenger ships as industry waste waters.

Moreover, legislation framework must be realistic in order to smooth the process of deployment of adequate facilities at ports.

Bogdan Ołdakowski, BPO Secretary General, following his speech at GreenPort Cruise Conference, said: BPO supports the mandatory delivery of sewage from passenger ships as it will lead to cleaner Baltic Sea by reducing discharge of nutrients to the marine environment. BPO calls local sewage companies for an open dialogue with ports in order to find a sustainable solution. During the planning phase for PRFs also national administrations have its role to play in facilitating the open dialogue between ports and other local players.
BPO has organized series of seminars and meetings where ports are exchanging their experience and plans when it comes to meeting the future requirements.

Cruise GreenPort Conference is a part of GreenPort Congress, which was held in Copenhagen on 6th October 2015. The Congress provided decision makers from the port community - port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics operators - with a meeting place to both learn about and discuss the latest in sustainable development and environmental practice in ports.

For more about Cruise GreenPort Conference, please click here.