Guidance on

Waste Management
for Tankers
 Guidance on Waste
Management for Tankers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying
or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other
use of this publication) without the written permission of INTERTANKO. Applications for INTERTANKO’s written
permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.

© INTERTANKO 2017

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct,
neither the authors nor INTERTANKO can accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions or any
consequences resulting therefrom.

No reliance should be placed on the information or advice contained in this publication

without independent verification.

Rev. 2
Contents

Contents
1. Introduction and Purpose 5
1.1 MARPOL Annex V and the 2017 Guidelines 5
1.2 INTERTANKO’s Guide 5
1.3 General Principles 5
2. Guidance 7
2.1 Used wires, ropes and tails 8
2.2 Expired pyrotechnics 8
2.3 Expired or used batteries 9
2.4 Boiler/economiser washdown water 9
2.5 Plastics 9
2.6 Incineration 10
2.6.1 Incinerator ashes 10
2.6.2 Incineration of plastics containing trace heavy metals 10
2.6.3 Incineration of PVC 10
2.6.4 Cigarette filter/butts 10
2.7 Oily rags 10
2.8 Drums and cans previously containing lube oil, chemicals and paint  11
2.9 Galley Waste 11
2.9.1 Used cooking oil 11
2.9.2 Other galley wastes 11
2.10 Medical waste 11
2.10.1 Medical waste is any waste generated during  11
patient diagnosis, treatment or immunisation
2.10.2 Expired medicines including narcotics 12
2.11 Maintenance waste such as hydro blasting and sand blasting wastes 12
2.12 Biofouling Waste from cleaning sea water intakes and internal  12
sea water cooling systems
2.13 Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs 12
2.14 E-waste 13

ii Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 

3. Record Keeping 14

4. Adequacy of Port Reception Facilities 16

5. Reference Documents 18

Annexes 19

Annex I – Simplified overview of the discharge provisions of the  20

revised MARPOL Annex V for tankers
Annex II – Relevant definitions within the Revised MARPOL Annex V 21
Annex III – Relevant definitions within the 2017 Guidelines for MARPOL  22
Annex V
Annex IV – Options for the management of boiler/economiser 24
washdown water on tankers 2016
Annex V – Identification of plastics and associated management  26
options
Annex VI – Options for the Management of used Cooking Oil  28
on Tankers 2015

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers iii

1. Introduction and
purpose
 1.3 General Principles

1. Introduction and Purpose

The revised MARPOL Annex V on Garbage entered into force on 1 January 2013. Together with the
revised regulations the International Maritime Organization (IMO) also issued the 2012 Guidelines for the
Implementation of MARPOL Annex V and the 2012 Guidelines for the Development of Garbage Management
Plans. The latter 2012 Guidelines were replaced with the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL
Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295 (71)) in July 2017. MARPOL Annex V and the 2017 IMO Guidelines must be
used as the basis for establishing a Garbage Management Plan.

This document seeks to provide guidance for the management of waste on-board tankers taking into account
the IMO requirements and guidance. Importantly, this document provides additional guidance for waste
categories that the IMO has not considered in detail.

1.1 MARPOL Annex V and the 2017 Guidelines

The revision of MARPOL Annex V draws this annex into line with the remaining annexes and sets a complete
prohibition on the discharge of garbage to the sea. Exceptions to this prohibition exist within the Annex in
Regulations 3, 4, 5 and 6. In general terms these exceptions are limited to food wastes, certain cargo residues,
certain cleaning agents and additives and cargo residues entrained in wash water which are not harmful to
the marine environment. A matrix for the discharge requirements relevant for tankers can be found in Annex
I of this Guide.

The definitions found in Annex II and Annex III of this Guide are taken from the revised MARPOL Annex V
and the 2017 IMO Guidelines. They are replicated with the kind permission of the IMO and are intended to
provide easy reference in relation to the terms used in this document.

1.2 INTERTANKO’s Guide

In drafting this Guide, INTERTANKO’s Environmental Committee applied the concept of reduce, reuse and
recycle. This is used as a basis for agreeing on the management options being recommended in the guidance.
For example, reducing waste at source by urging suppliers to deliver stores with less packaging may assist
with more general waste streams, while requesting suppliers of specialist or hazardous materials to provide
provision for their eventual safe disposal will assist in effectively managing any waste generated aboard.
Conversely, delivering waste in a uniform and standardised manner, as proposed by the ISO 21070 standard,
may allow port reception facilities to more effectively receive segregated waste in readiness for recycling.

When developing procedures for the management of regulated waste streams INTERTANKO advises that
any such procedures are checked against their Administration’s requirements. Furthermore, port States and
regional regulatory authorities may have unilateral legislation in place for both MARPOL regulated waste and
other waste streams not regulated by MARPOL. As such, owners and operators are urged to maintain an up
to date record of all national and regional requirements and ensure their management procedures meet those
requirements relevant to the vessel’s trading pattern.

1.3 General Principles

As a general principle the strategy to reduce, reuse and recycle should form the basis of the Garbage
Management Plan. This waste hierarchy remains the cornerstone of most waste reduction management with
the aim of extracting the maximum practical benefits from products and generating the minimum amount of
waste.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 5

1. Introduction and Purpose

The following hierarchy can be used as a basis for the management of waste:

The following examples list more general management options for the reduction and reuse of waste
on-board that may be incorporated into the Garbage Management Plan:

Example:
• Avoid buying disposable pens, lighters, cameras, razors and other single-use goods, reusable items
often pay off the higher initial cost in just a few uses.

• Use fabric napkins and towels instead of single-use paper napkins and towels.

• Send your packages in reusable packaging.

• Packages with bubble wrap can be placed in the plastic bag recycling bins, but it is always better to
reuse than to recycle.

• Repair worn out items when it is possible and practical, to give items added life.

• Purchase less-toxic cleaners. If you must use chemical cleaners, use them carefully and sparingly. Many
recipes are available for making cleaners from inexpensive domestic products, such as lemon juice,
vinegar and baking soda.

• Look for products that use less packaging and buy in bulk. A few refillable containers (glass jar, oatmeal
canisters, Tupperware containers, etc.) are perfect for storing bulk foods.

• When buying foods in bulk request minimal packaging.

• A major waste item is paper use for office administration. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities
to reduce the amount of paper used.

• Use both sides of paper before recycling it. Set printers and copiers to default to double sided-printing
or copying. Use scrap paper for taking messages or writing notes before recycling it.

• If you MUST use paper, choose paper that is made from post-consumer recycled content.

• Toner cartridges from lasers printers and print cartridges from fax machines can be refilled and
reconditioned.
2. Guidance
2. Guidance

2. Guidance
The following sub-sections cover items and issues commonly queried by INTERTANKO Members along with
proposals for managing certain wastes.

2.1 Used wires, ropes and tails

Used wires, ropes and tails may be given to contractors who can benefit from the recycling of certain materials
or even selling them as second-hand where appropriate.

2.2 Expired pyrotechnics

Expired or out-of-date pyrotechnics have been shown to be a safety hazard and as such it is recommended
that they are disposed of in a timely manner. However, it is increasingly difficult to land used pyrotechnics
ashore. While certain countries and regions will accept expired pyrotechnics, other ports and countries may
refuse. As such, the first step is to draw up a list of ports that will or will not accept expired pyrotechnics. The
following is provided as an example:

Example:

• Singapore accepts out-of-date pyrotechnics through contact with the supplier’s agents. However,
additional charges exist for the collection (by the supplier) as well as a customs permit.

• Agents at Fujairah confirmed that authorities do not permit landing of expired pyrotechnics at Fujairah.

• Chinese makes or brands of pyrotechnics are not accepted at many places.

• United Kingdom HM Coastguard/MCA accepts some out-of-date pyrotechnics for storage at Coastguard
sites. See MCA website regarding ‘New System for the Disposal of Time Expired Pyrotechnics’.

The following three options may be considered if the reception facility provider does not accept the expired
pyrotechnics;

1.  Return out-of-date pyrotechnics to the supplier, directly or via the local representative. This can be
facilitated at the purchasing stage. When ordering new pyrotechnics an agreement should be made
with the supplier to accept the expired ones for disposal or recycling.

2.  Request a life raft service station to accept any of the ship’s out-of-date pyrotechnics when life rafts
are being sent ashore for servicing. Many life raft service stations deal with the disposal of the expired
pyrotechnics on a regular basis and have arrangements locally to do this.

3.  Contact the local Coastguard or Police who may be able to arrange disposal through a military
establishment.

In trying to eliminate the disposal problem at source, option ‘1’ above should be adopted. Contact should
be made with the pyrotechnic suppliers (and their agents) with a view to an agreement on how the supplier
may assist with the disposal at the expiration point of the product. Drawing the suppliers into the process will
also ensure that the products are being handled in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Some vendors
already assist with this aspect for their products. For example, in Japan, suppliers will accept their products
without charge. There are, however, transportation charges and a special procedure to be followed (specific
hazardous products transport packaging) and declaration to be completed by the ship.

Care should be taken when landing expired or out-of-date pyrotechnics to collection agencies. The company
has a responsibility to ensure that the agency used has a procedure for the disposal of expired pyrotechnics.
Some collection agencies, for example around the Suez, have been known to sell the expired pyrotechnics by
changing the expiry dates.

8 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 2.5 Plastics

If the pyrotechnics cannot be sent ashore immediately, then they should be kept on-board (clearly marked
as ‘out-of-date’) until they can be landed ashore. Upon disposal ashore it is important to obtain a receipt/
certificate which states that the pyrotechnic has been landed ashore for safe destruction.

2.3 Expired or used batteries

Expired or used batteries should be considered as garbage which may present a hazard to the ship or the crew
and should therefore be kept separate from other types of waste. It is recommended that expired or used
batteries should be given to shore contractors for proper disposal. To minimise this form of waste the use of
rechargeable batteries, wherever applicable, should be considered. A single rechargeable nickel-metal hydride
battery can replace up to 1,000 single-use alkaline batteries during its lifetime.

Recording this type of garbage would depend on whether the batteries came from the accommodation spaces
(Domestic waste) or from maintenance/operations of the ship (Operational waste). In terms of used domestic
batteries, then these should be recorded in the Garbage Record Book, Category C. Operational batteries
should be recorded in the Garbage Record Book, Category F.

Storing batteries in plastic containers until they can be landed ashore can minimise the risk hazard to the crew
or ship. Batteries are explosive and should never be incinerated.

2.4 Boiler/economiser washdown water

INTERTANKO considers that boiler/economiser washdown water should not be regarded as garbage (and falls
under “other similar discharges”) in accordance with MARPOL Annex V, when it is handled and discharged in
accordance with this best practice.

It should be noted that whether such a discharge falls under the definition of “other similar discharges”, and
is therefore permitted, remains at the discretion of the Flag State Authority.

Where practicable, the use of a soot-collecting tank is suggested as an effective option for the management of boiler/
economiser washdown water. The arrangements for the installation and operation of such an option are provided in
‘Options for the management of boiler/economiser washdown water on tankers’, found in Annex IV of this Guide.

2.5 Plastics
Plastic waste is largely generated by packaging. Limiting the quantity of packaging being brought aboard with
stores should be the first objective in reducing and managing plastic as a waste stream. The following was
provided as a standard procedure within a tanker company:

1. Whenever provisions or any equipment come on-board, ship’s crew must return the extra packing and
plastics to the supplier immediately.

2. Dunnage, lining and packaging materials generated in port during cargo discharge should preferably be
disposed of at the port reception facilities and not retained on-board .

3. Reusable bottles should be used for storage of water.

4. Disposable and other plastic utensils should be replaced with washable items

Recycling of plastic should be considered over and above the option of incineration. Incineration not only
generates an increase in air emissions but also creates further waste that will have to be landed ashore.

Annex V of this Guide provides information on the identification of plastics and associated management options.

Plastics containing PVCs should always be delivered ashore for recycling. Plastics containing PVC are
identified as ‘Number 3 Plastics’ and are found in window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles,
cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding, windows, piping, decks,
panelling, flooring, cables and mats.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 9

2. Guidance

Number 3 plastics may release toxic breakdown products into food and drinks, as such, avoid number 3 plastics
for food and drinks. The risk is higher when containers start wearing out, are put through the dishwasher or
when they are heated (including microwaved).

Understanding the difficulties faced by the crew in identifying which plastics may contain PVC may provide
further reason to implement a policy of not burning plastics aboard and instead land all plastic ashore.

2.6 Incineration

2.6.1 Incinerator ashes

Even though incinerator ash does not require a large amount of storage capacity, the company should ensure
that the vessel has sufficient storage capacity for incinerator ash production on the voyages undertaken.

2.6.2 Incineration of plastics containing trace heavy metals

There is some degree of overlap between MARPOL Annex V and Annex VI. It has been noted previously that
it is very difficult to make the distinction between ash that contains trace heavy metals and that which does
not, particularly for those onboard. As a consequence it is recommended that two precautionary options exist
to overcome this uncertainty, either:
1. Land all plastic ash ashore, or;
2. Do not burn plastics aboard and land all plastic garbage ashore.
2.6.3 Incineration of PVC
Plastics containing PVCs should not be incinerated. MARPOL Annex VI prevents the incineration of plastics
which contain PVC due to the chlorine compounds that are released into the flue gas. See section 2.5 of this
Guide which relates to Plastics.

2.6.4 Cigarette filters/butts

Cigarette filters or butts are made from fibrous material designed to trap tar and other toxic chemicals.
The filters are made from cellulose acetate (a material similar to rayon) and are coated with paper. A safe
management option is to consider each filter/butt, together with the remnants of tobacco and paper, as “non-
recyclable plastics“ which can then be incinerated .

2.7 Oily rags

All incinerators that are certified for incinerating solid waste are permitted to burn oil-soaked cotton rags. This
only applies to cotton rags. The interpretation for oily rags included in the IMO’s Standard Specification for
Shipboard Incinerators reads as follows:
2.12. Oily rags are rags which have been saturated with oil as controlled in Annex I to the Convention.
Contaminated rags are rags which have been saturated with a substance defined as a harmful
substance in the other Annexes to MARPOL 73/78.
Oily non-cotton rags should not be incinerated on-board and should be landed to a shore-side facility. Oily
non-cotton rags should be collected in on-deck storage containers with a steel open-head lockable lid. The
rags should then be transferred and disposed of through shore facilities for recycling or environmentally sound
disposal. Such storage receptacles are described in SOLAS Chapter II Regulation 4.2: Waste receptacles shall
be constructed of non-combustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom1.
It is important to note however that oily rags that are saturated or soaked with oil having a flash
point below 60°C should not be incinerated. Instead these are to be stored in proper receptacles and
disposed of ashore.
The volume of rags incinerated on-board should be documented in the Garbage Record Book. The disposal of
oily rags in shore-side facilities should also be recorded in the Waste Delivery Receipt obtained from the port
reception facility.
1
Resolution MEPC.76(40) – Standard Specification for Shipboard Incinerators – (adopted on 25 September 1997) Amended by
Resolution MEPC.93(45) – Annex – Standard Specification for Shipboard Incinerators – 2 Definitions Item 2.12

10 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 2.10 Medical waste

2.8 Drums and cans previously containing lube oil, chemicals and paint
Due to the difficulty in landing lube oil, chemical and paint drums, some companies have now developed
management plans for each type of drum. The management plan takes into account the likelihood that
there are occasions when paint drums containing expired paint will also have to be adequately managed and
procedures for these drums should be included in the management plan.

As a general principle, however, it is recommended that drums and cans are landed ashore. As port reception
facilities are frequently reluctant to receive drums and cans that previously contained lube oil, chemicals or
paints, then guidance in the Garbage Management Plan should be provided as to where and how drums and
cans can be landed ashore or managed, respectively.

All drums and cans should be well marked and inventoried.

2.9 Galley waste

2.9.1 Used cooking oil

The IMO has not yet reached agreement on a Unified Interpretation for the management of used cooking oil
on tankers which in turn has led to a variation in flag Administration and Port State authority interpretations.
INTERTANKO has provided the recommendation ‘Options for the Management of used Cooking Oil on Tankers’
to assist its Members in managing and recording the disposal of cooking oil in accordance with MARPOL
Annex V. This is provided as Annex VI to this Guide.

Notwithstanding the management options in Annex V, companies are urged to check with their Flag
Administration before implementing any changes to their management and record keeping procedures.

INTERTANKO will share these management options with the leading Flag Administrations and Port State
authorities in an effort to attain uniformity in interpretation and eventually a Unified Interpretation by the IMO.

2.9.2 Other galley wastes

The galley area can produce a large amount of waste and as such is a key area of focus in reducing the quantity
of waste generated on board. The following may be taken into account when implementing a Garbage
Management Plan:

• When buying foods in bulk request for minimum packaging.

• Food should be cooked appropriately and in adequate quantity as per persons on-board so that
unnecessary wastage can be reduced.

• The installation of refrigeration systems for food waste can allow such wastes to be hygienically stored.

• A water purifier may be installed in the drinking water system of the ships (no matter size and trading
pattern), which will reduce the plastic mineral water bottle consumption and thus the use of plastic
bottles.

Individual bins in the galley and pantry areas are frequently the target for Port State Control officers. Care
should be taken to ensure that all galley waste is segregated from other waste streams as per MARPOL Annex
V and its Guidelines.

2.10 Medical waste

Two types of medical waste need to be considered separately:

2.10.1 Medical waste generated during patient diagnosis, treatment or immunisation

This form of medical waste is of two categories: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious medical waste is
liquid or solid waste that contains pathogens in sufficient numbers and with sufficient virulence to cause

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 11

2. Guidance

infectious disease in susceptible hosts exposed to the waste. Non-infectious medical waste includes disposable
medical supplies and materials that do not fall into the category of infectious medical waste.

Infectious waste should be safely stored or sterilised, e.g. by steam, and suitably packaged for ultimate disposal
ashore. Medical waste should be labelled. Ships properly equipped may incinerate paper- and cloth-based
medical waste but not plastic and wet materials. Sharps should be collected in plastic, autoclavable sharps
containers and retained on board for ultimate disposal ashore. Unused sharps should be disposed of ashore in
the same manner as medical waste.

Liquid medical wastes may be disposed of by discharging them into the sanitary system. Non-infectious medical
waste may be disposed of as garbage, not requiring steam sterilising or special handling.

2.10.2 Expired medicines including narcotics

All expired medicine must be sent ashore for destruction. In order to ensure that the medicines and any narcotics
are disposed of in a responsible manner a signature should be obtained from the agent who represents the
recognised pharmacist.

The landing of this waste should be recorded in the Garbage Record Book, Category C, for domestic wastes.
Until such delivery is obtained, the expired medicine should be kept onboard in a sealed or locked box with a
clear warning statement, for example: “WARNING – EXPIRED MEDICINE – DO NOT USE”.

Any narcotic drug disposal should be logged in the Official Deck Logbook or Medical Log.

2.11 Maintenance waste such as hydro-blasting and sand-blasting wastes

As there is a risk that hydro- or sand-blasting wastes may contain paint flakes and other substances which may
be harmful to the marine environment, discards gathered from blasting operations should be collected and
disposed of ashore.

2.12 Biofouling waste from cleaning sea water intakes and internal sea water cooling
systems

Biofouling on ships entering waters of coastal regions may result in the establishment of invasive aquatic species
which may pose threats to human, animal and plant life, economic and cultural activities and the aquatic
environment. There are facilities available to collect the residues when the biofouling on ships hulls is removed
by the external agencies. This is then disposed of in accordance with the local requirements. However, no clear
guidelines are available when such waste is generated during the regular maintenance activity on-board, such
as the cleaning of sea water intakes and sea water cooling systems. It is recognised that the amount of waste
generated is of minimal quantity and would mainly consist of sea weeds and/or inactive aquatic organisms
which should not pose any imminent threat to the environment. As a precautionary measure however, it is
recommended that such waste may be disposed of in areas complying with the minimum depth and distance
described by Regulation B-4 of the IMO’s International Ballast Water Management Convention 2004, i.e.
disposal should only take place at least 50nm from the nearest land and in water at least 200 metres in depth.

Since biofouling waste is not categorized as Garbage under Annex V of MARPOL, such disposal may be
reflected in the Biofouling record books; maintained in accordance with the Biofouling Management Plan.

2.13 Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs

Fluorescent light-tubes and light-bulbs contain mercury. As per section 2.4.3 of the 2017 Guidelines garbage
that might present a hazard to the ship or crew such as light bulbs should be separated. Once separated, these
lamps should be stored at a location and in such a manner that they are not broken or smashed so as to avoid
the release of mercury vapour. High intensity discharge lamps should be treated as fluorescent tubes.

12 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 2.14 Electronic waste (E-Waste)

2.14 E-waste

The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) agreed to amend the definition of E-waste which
is included in the 2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295(71)).
The definition is provided:

E-waste means electrical and electronic equipment used for the normal operation of the ship or in the
accommodation spaces, including all components, subassemblies and consumables, which are part of the
equipment at the time of discarding, with the presence of material potentially hazardous to human health
and/or the environment.

E-waste contains both valuable materials as well as hazardous materials which require special handling and
recycling methods.

Classification of E-waste by the place of origin :

• Big household appliances – Refrigerators, freezers, refrigeration showcases, washing machines,

dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric ovens, microwaves, heaters, electric radiators, ventilators, air
conditioners, boilers.

• Small household appliances – Vacuum cleaners, sewing machines, irons, toasters, fryers, mills, coffee
machines, electric knives, hair dryers, watches, measuring devices.

• IT and telecommunication equipment – PC, PDA devices, laptops, printers, copy machines, calculators,
telefaxes, telephones, cell phones, answering machines.

• Electric and electronic power tools – Drills, saws, equipment for grinding, sanding, polishing, scraping,
cutting, dowelling, welding, soldering.

• Medical devices – Radiotherapy equipment, cardiac devices, equipment for analysis, cooling, testing.

• Monitoring and surveillance equipment – Smoke detectors, heating regulators, thermostats, measuring
equipment, equipment for scaling, calibration.

• Machines – hot drink machines, bottling machines.

Handling:

E-waste generated on board (e.g. electronic cards, gadgets, instruments, equipment, computers, printer
cartridges, etc.) should be stored on board as a separate category and delivered ashore for recycling or
withdrawn depending on the part/component. When PC and information systems are to be discarded efforts
should be made to ensure that ship’s data and company’s / vessel’s confidential information has been treated
properly prior to being landed ashore as to deter cyber threats.

Note that some printer/toner cartridges do not contain any electronic components and may more appropriately
be stored as chemical waste.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 13

3. Record Keeping
 3. Record Keeping

3. Record Keeping
A summary of the Garbage Record Book categories for the waste streams itemised in Section 2 of this Guide
are provided below:

Type of waste GRB Category Notes

Used wires, ropes and tails F

Expired pyrotechnics F
Depending on whether the batteries came
Expired or Used batteries C or F from the accommodation (Domestic ‘C’)
or ship’s equipment (Operational ‘F’).
Boiler/economizer wash down
F See 6.1 of Annex IV of this Guide.
water
Incinerator ashes E
Oily rags F
Drums and cans previously
containing lube oil, chemicals C
and paint
Used cooking oil D
Applicable to Food wastes only. Plastics,
Other galley wastes B paper etc. should be placed in their relevant
category.
Medical waste C
Expired medicines including
C
narcotics
Maintenance waste such as
hydro blasting and sand blasting F
wastes
Biofouling Waste from cleaning
To be recorded in the Biofouling
sea water intakes and internal NA
Management Plan
sea water cooling systems
Fluorescent light-tubes and light-
C
bulbs
E-waste I

While it is not mandatory to identify the storage locations and capacities for each category of waste collected
on board, some class societies and port State control authorities are requesting that this information is included
in the Garbage Management Plan.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 15

4. Adequacy of Port
Reception Facilities
 4. Adequacy of Port Reception Facilities

4. Adequacy of Port Reception Facilities

One of the stumbling blocks to ensuring a sound environmental management system in terms of garbage is
the delivery to shore. In this respect the quality of service provided by the port reception facility operator can
determine the success of the company’s environmental and garbage management plan.

In 2014 the IMO launched its Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users (IMO
PRF Guide). While the IMO PRF Guide sets a good foundation for establishing procedures for ships, there are
additional options available to owners who may wish that waste can be received at every port call, without
delay. This may involve the contracting of a waste facility and management company who can provide a
network of facilities at ports and terminals that your vessel’s frequently trade. While this may not suit every
vessel type in all trade routes, vessels with more regular and predictable trade patterns can benefit from
knowing that at each port call all waste types can be appropriately received and managed. This may not only
provide an operational advantage in being predictable and convenient but also removes some of the financial
unpredictability that can occur when more difficult waste streams have to be landed ashore.

In the event that a vessel cannot discharge waste at a port waste reception facility then INTERTANKO strongly
encourages the Master and/or company to file a report to its Flag Administration with a copy to INTERTANKO.
The standardised format for submitting an alleged inadequacy report can be found on the INTERTANKO
website:

http://www.INTERTANKO.com/Topics/Environment/Reception-Facilities/

The Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users can also be found on the INTERTANKO
website using the same link above.

To facilitate transparency in the delivery and receipt of ship generated waste many countries, particularly in
the European Union where it is mandatory, require the submission of an Advanced Notification Form (ANF)
prior to entering a port. This provides details of the ship’s intended delivery to a reception facility. In return and
to complete the chain of custody then Masters should request a Waste Delivery Receipt (WDR) for all waste
landed ashore. Both documents have standard, internationally recognised, formats and can be found on the
INTERTANKO Port Reception Facilities web page, as above.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 17

5. Reference Documents

5. Reference Documents
The following reference documents have been made available on the INTERTANKO website (http://www.
INTERTANKO.com/Topics/Environment/Reception-Facilities/) with the exception of the ISO 21070:2011
which should be obtained from ISO (www.iso.org):

Revised MARPOL Annex V 2011 (Resolution MEPC.201(62))

Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V 2012 (Resolution MEPC.219(63))

2017 Guidelines for the Implementation of MARPOL Annex V (Resolution MEPC.295(71))

Consolidated Guidance for Port Reception Facility Providers and Users (MEPC.1/Circ.834)

Standard for the Management and handling of shipboard garbage (under revision) (ISO 21070:2011)

18 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

Annexes
Annex I

Annex I
Simplified overview of the discharge provisions of the revised MARPOL Annex V for tankers (as adapted from
IMO general guidance)

Type of Garbage Ships outside Special Areas Ships within Special Areas

Discharge permitted Discharge permitted

Food waste comminuted or As far as practicable and not less As far as practicable and not less
ground than 3 nm from nearest land, than 12 nm from nearest land,
while en route while en route
Discharge permitted
Food waste not comminuted As far as practicable and not less
Discharge prohibited
or ground than 12 nm from nearest land,
while en route

Cleaning agents and additives

in deck and external surfaces Discharge permitted Discharge prohibited
wash water

All other garbage including

plastics, synthetic ropes,
fishing gear, plastic garbage
bags, incinerator ashes,
clinkers, cooking oil, floating Discharge prohibited Discharge prohibited
dunnage, lining and packing
materials, paper, rags, glass,
metal, bottles, crockery and
similar refuse

When garbage is mixed with

or contaminated by other
substances prohibited from
Mixed garbage discharge or having different
discharge requirements, the
more stringent requirements
shall apply

20 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 Annex II

Annex II
Relevant definitions within the Revised MARPOL Annex V

Regulation 1

Definitions

For the purposes of this Annex:

3. Cooking oil means any type of edible oil or animal fat used or intended to be used for the preparation or
cooking of food, but does not include the food itself that is prepared using these oils.

4. Domestic wastes means all types of wastes not covered by other Annexes that are generated in the
accommodation spaces on board the ship. Domestic wastes does not include grey water.

8. Food wastes means any spoiled or unspoiled food substances and includes fruits, vegetables, dairy products,
poultry, meat products and food scraps generated aboard ship.

9. Garbage means all kinds of food wastes, domestic wastes and operational wastes, all plastics, cargo residues,
cooking oil, fishing gear, and animal carcasses generated during the normal operation of the ship and liable
to be disposed of continuously or periodically except those substances which are defined or listed in other
Annexes to the present Convention. Garbage does not include fresh fish and parts thereof generated as a
result of fishing activities undertaken during the voyage, or as a result of aquaculture activities which involve
the transport of fish including shellfish for placement in the aquaculture facility and the transport of harvested
fish including shellfish from such facilities to shore for processing.

10. Incinerator ashes means ash and clinkers resulting from shipboard incinerators used for the incineration
of garbage.

12. Operational wastes means all solid wastes (including slurries) not covered by other Annexes that are
collected on board during normal maintenance or operations of a ship, or used for cargo stowage and
handling. Operational wastes also includes cleaning agents and additives contained in cargo hold and external
wash water. Operational wastes does not include grey water, bilge water, or other similar discharges essential
to the operation of a ship, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.

13. Plastic means a solid material which contains as an essential ingredient one or more high molecular mass
polymers and which is formed (shaped) during either manufacture of the polymer or the fabrication into a
finished product by heat and/or pressure. Plastics have material properties ranging from hard and brittle to soft
and elastic. For the purposes of this annex, “all plastics” means all garbage that consists of or includes plastic
in any form, including synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage bags and incinerator ashes from
plastic products.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 21

Annex III

Annex III
Relevant definitions within the 2012 Guidelines for MARPOL Annex V

1.6 Definitions

1.6.1 Dishwater means the residue from the manual or automatic washing of dishes and cooking utensils
which have been pre-cleaned to the extent that any food particles adhering to them would not normally
interfere with the operation of automatic dishwashers.

1.6.2 E-waste means electrical and electronic equipment used for the normal operation of the ship or in the
accommodation spaces, including all components, subassemblies and consumables, which are part of the
equipment at the time of discarding, with the presence of material potentially hazardous to human health
and/or the environment.

1.6.3 Grey water means drainage from dishwater, shower, laundry, bath and washbasin drains. It does not
include drainage from toilets, urinals, hospitals and animal spaces, as defined in regulation 1.3 of MARPOL
Annex IV (sewage) and drainage from cargo spaces. Grey water is not considered garbage in the context of
MARPOL Annex V.

1.6.4 Recycling means the activity of segregating and recovering components and materials for reprocessing.

1.6.5 Reuse means the activity of recovering components and materials for further use without reprocessing.

1.7 Application

1.7.1 This section provides clarification as to what should and should not be considered garbage under
MARPOL Annex V.

1.7.2 Ash and clinkers from shipboard incinerators and coal-burning boilers should be considered as operational
wastes within the meaning of regulation 1.12 of MARPOL Annex V, and therefore are included in the term
garbage, within the meaning of regulation 1.9 of MARPOL Annex V.

1.7.3 The definition of “operational wastes” (regulation 1.12 of MARPOL Annex V) excludes grey water, bilge
water, or other similar discharges essential to the operation of a ship. “Other similar discharges” essential
to the operation of a ship include, but are not limited to the following:

• boiler/economiser blowdown;

• boat engine wet exhaust;

• chain locker effluent;

• controllable pitch propeller and thruster hydraulic fluid and other oil to sea interfaces (e.g. thruster
bearings, stabilizers, rudder bearings, etc.);

• distillation/reverse osmosis brine;

• elevator pit effluent;

• firemain systems water;

• freshwater layup;

• gas turbine wash water;

• motor gasoline and compensating discharge;

22 Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers

 Annex III

• machinery wastewater;

• pool, spa water and recreational waters;

• sonar dome discharge; and

• welldeck discharges.

1.7.4 While cleaning agents and additives contained in hold wash water, and deck and external surface wash
water are considered “operational wastes” and thus “garbage” under Annex V, these cleaning agents and
additives may be discharged into the sea so long as they are not harmful to the marine environment.

1.7.5 A cleaning agent or additive is considered not harmful to the marine environment if it:

.1 is not a “harmful substance” in accordance with the criteria in MARPOL Annex III; and

.2 does not contain any components which are known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR).

1.7.6 The ship’s record should contain evidence provided by the producer of the cleaning agent or additive
that the product meets the criteria for not being harmful to the marine environment. To provide an assurance
of compliance, a dated and signed statement to this effect from the product supplier would be adequate for
the purposes of a ship’s record. This might form part of a Safety Data Sheet or be a stand-alone document but
this should be left to the discretion of the producer concerned.

Guidance on Waste Management for Tankers 23

Annex IV

Annex IV
Annex IV
Annex V
Annex V
Identification of plastics and associated management options
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Number 1 Plastics
PET or PETE (polyethylene
terephthalate)
Found in: Soft drink, water
and beer bottles; mouthwash
bottles, peanut butter containers,
salad dressing and vegetable oil
containers, ovenable food trays.
Number 2 Plastics
HDPE (high density polyethylene)
Found in: Milk jugs, juice bottles,
bleach, detergent and household
cleaner bottles, shampoo bottles,
some trash and shopping bags,
motor oil bottles, butter and
yogurt tubs, cereal box liners.
Number 3 Plastics
V (Vinyl) or PVC
Found in: Window cleaner and
detergent bottles, shampoo
bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear
food packaging, wire jacketing,
medical equipment, siding,
windows, piping.
REMARKS
PET plastics are the most common
for single-use bottled beverages,
because it is inexpensive,
lightweight and easy to recycle.
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: YES
Laundry detergent bottles, oil
bottles, pens, recycling containers,
floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber,
benches, doghouses, picnic
tables, fencing. HDPE is a versatile
plastic with many uses, especially
for packaging. It poses no risk of
leaching harmful chemicals and
is readily recyclable into many
goods.
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: YES
Decks, panelling, flooring, cables,
mats. PVC is tough and weathers
well, so it is commonly used
for piping, siding and similar
applications. PVC contains
chlorine, so its manufacture can
release highly dangerous dioxins.
If you must cook with PVC, don’t
let the plastic touch food.
INCINERATE: NO, NEVER
INCINERATE PVC, BECAUSE IT
RELEASES TOXINS.
RECYCLE: YES
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Number 3 plastics may release
toxic breakdown products into
food and drinks. Avoid number 3
plastics for food and drinks. The
risk is higher when containers
start wearing out, are put through
the dishwasher or when they are
heated (including microwaved).

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Number 4 Plastics
LDPE (low density polyethylene)
Found in: Squeezable bottles,
bread, frozen food, dry cleaning
and shopping bags, tote bags,
clothing, furniture, carpet.
Number 5 Plastics
PP (polypropylene)
Found in: Some yogurt containers, liquid. It poses little to no risk of
syrup bottles, ketchup bottles,
caps, straws, medicine bottles.
Number 6 Plastics
PS (polystyrene)
Found in: Disposable plates and
cups, meat trays, egg cartons,
carry-out containers, aspirin
bottles, compact disc cases.
Number 7 Plastics
Miscellaneous
Found in: Three- and five-gallon
water bottles, ‘bullet-proof’
materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod
and computer cases, signs and
displays, certain food containers,
nylon.
Annex V
REMARKS
Trash can litres and cans, compost
bins, shipping envelopes,
panelling, and lumber. LDPE
is a flexible plastic with many
applications. It poses little to no
risk of leaching harmful chemicals.
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: YES
Signal lights, battery cables,
brooms, brushes, auto battery
cases, ice scrapers, pallets, trays.
Polypropylene has a high melting
point, and so is often chosen for
containers that must accept hot
leaching harmful chemicals.
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: YES
Evidence suggests polystyrene can
leach potential toxins into foods.
Number 6 plastics can release
potentially toxic breakdown
products (including styrene,
also known as vinyl benzene
and phenylethene). Get this:
Particularly when heated!
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: NO
Plastic lumber, custom – made
products. A wide variety of plastic
resins that don’t fit into the
previous categories are lumped
into number 7. A few even made
from plants (Polyactide, known as
thermoplastic aliphatic polyester)
and are compostable.
INCINERATE: YES
RECYCLE: YES
Annex VI

Annex VI
Annex VI
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