Solid and liquid marine waste streams

New rules from IMO, adopted in July 2011, imply substantial changes for all ship/rig types as early as
January 2013.
Space and resources onboard are by nature limited and the ports reception facilities add their own
requirements for disposal and recycling of waste.
In a modern, environmentally friendly waste management system, the waste is separated into fractions
onboard the rig or ship and, in the case of dry waste, its volume is also reduced. This makes recycling
ashore possible and reduces transportation and disposal costs. Air pollution is also reduced since, once the
fractions are compacted to reduce their volume, incineration is no longer required.
Improving environmental performance is a way for ship owners and operators to secure their revenue in
the long term. Several international third party organizations acknowledge ship owners who make efforts
to reduce the impact of shipping on the environment.
Such efforts can result in, for example, discounts on port dues, charter preferences, lower insurance
premiums, improved image, crew motivation and pride, etc.
Waste management can be divided into six different phases:
Environmental policy: An environmental policy clearly defines the level and objectives to which to
operate. It also ensures compliance with mandatory regulations and continuous improvement of
performance.
Collection and separation: There should preferably be strategically located waste handling stations for
sorting different waste fractions, which are subsequently delivered to a garbage handling room for
processing.
Onboard processing: Food and galley waste can be collected, treated and stored in separate closed
systems. Compactors, shredders and crushers can reduce the volume of the dry waste, which in turn
reduces the storage space required.
Onboard storage: The waste should be stored in a manner which avoids health and safety hazards. It is
recommended that food waste and food contaminated waste are kept separate from the other garbage.
Recycling/disposal: Recycling is preferred to disposal as recycled waste reduces cost for disposal and is
a valuable resource. All disposal of waste at sea is regulated by IMO regulations and local regulations.
Audit & education: Diligent audits and continuous training, including operation of waste treatment
systems, increases environmental awareness onboard which demonstrates that the environmental
management system is operating effectively and in conformity with legal requirements.

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