HELCOM moves forward on Port Reception Facilities

Work plans for the Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (PRFs) and HELCOM Maritime sub-group on green ship technology and alternative fuels have been adopted during the 38th HELCOM meeting. The meeting took place on 28.2-1.3.2017 in Helsinki, Finland.

As one of the members of the Cooperation Platform on PRFs, the Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) welcomes the adoption of the work plan. The topic of obligatory delivery of sewage from passenger ships remains one of BPO's main priorities.

The upcoming implementation of special area restrictions for the discharge of sewage from passenger ships (June 1st, 2019 for new-builds, June 1st, 2021 for existing vessels) in the Baltic Sea region contributes directly to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) no. 14, i.e. the conservation and sustainable usage of the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, discussed together with other SDGs during the HELCOM meeting.

In order to further explore the subject of PRFs in the Baltic Sea region, the BPO is organizing a seminar titled “Development of Port Reception Facilities for Sewage in Baltic ports”, which will take place on April 25th, 2017, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The seminar will include an overview of preparatory works by ports of different sizes in view of the upcoming deadlines and main challenges they are facing. The participants will also focus on how to coordinate the investment process with sewage companies and try to answer questions related to quality standards of sewage from cruise ships. The seminar will also feature case studies from different ports.

It is vital for the Baltic ports to be adequately prepared for the upcoming deadlines and costs linked to the development of necessary infrastructure. This will be much easier if all stakeholders work together towards this common objective.

The HELCOM meeting also saw the participants come to an agreement regarding the work plan for the HELCOM Maritime sub-group on green ship technology and alternative fuels. The group's work focuses on the development and enhanced use of green technologies and alternative fuels, including LNG, methanol as well as other propulsion technologies, in order to reduce harmful exhaust gas emissions and greenhouse gases from ships.

The development and implementation of these technologies is of high importance in the Baltic Sea region, which can be considered a green technology testing ground due to various regulations and restrictions applied in the area, e.g. SECA and NECA.

Further information regarding the eco-friendly technologies implemented in the Baltic Sea region can be found in a report, published recently by the BPO: “The Baltic Sea as a model region for green ports and maritime transport”. Follow this link to download the report directly from the BPO website.

The BPO retains its status as an observer at HELCOM and is an active member of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group.