Is Baltic Sea Special Area for Passenger Ships Really Special?
The persistent eutrophication (being too rich in nutrients) of the Baltic Sea prompted the IMO’s Baltic Member States to tackle shipping’s < 0.1% contribution by designating the Baltic Sea as the first Special Area under Annex IV of IMO’s MARPOL Convention [1]. Passenger ships must give sewage to wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) ashore via the port reception facilities (PRFs) or operate a nutrient removal sewage treatment plant (STP) on board prior to discharge. It has been perceived as a positive move. But how special is the Special Area?Rules at sea vs.
OPINION: Regulating Grey Water ... the Time is Now
The IMO’s MARPOL Annex IV is being revised to confirm the lifetime performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). This may finally bring about grey water regulation – a necessity that is long overdue.Black Water and Grey WaterA ship’s sewage (black water) is collected from toilets, urinals and hospitals. The IMO’s MARPOL Annex IV prohibits its discharge, except when treated by an STP or discharged at > 12nm from the nearest land. A ship’s grey water, collected from showers, wash basins…
Nord Stream Shares Baltic Sea Database
At the Baltic Sea Action Summit in Helsinki on Feb. 10, Nord Stream took a further concrete step in line with its firm commitment to preserve the Baltic Sea. Nord Stream decided to establish a new Data and Information Fund to utilize its extensive knowledge and survey data for further research and preservation of the Baltic Sea. "The Baltic Sea is the home of our project. Therefore, we want to actively participate in its improvement as part of our Baltic Sea co-operation. The Baltic Sea Action Summit is a unique opportunity, bringing together various parties and investments made for the common good," said Matthias Warnig, Managing Director Nord Stream AG. The objective of the Fund is to increase existing knowledge regarding the state of the Baltic Sea and its preservation.
