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MANAGING WASTE FROM COMMERCIAL SHIPS
Commercial ships produce waste as part of their regular operations. Proper disposal prevents ship pollution. Accidentally or deliberately discharging waste from a ship can damage ocean habitats, contaminate food chains, or harm marine life. Ship owners, mariners, regulators, and port authorities work together to dispose of this waste safely. With an increasing focus on the marine environment, Togo, Lome and Indigenous communities want to be sure marine resources are protected from the effects of ship-generated waste.
Waste Produced by Ships
- Propeller shaft oil
- Exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) or scrubber discharge water
- Bilge water
- Cargo residues and wash water
- Ballast water
- Hull coatings and microplastics
- Anchor wash water.
Waste produced by passengers and crew
- Garbage
- Food
- Sewage (black water)
- Greywater.
When a ship is in Lome port, AKROPOLIS MARITIME can remove ships waste, either using barges or trucks, depending on available space, regulations, and type of waste. In a marine or offshore environment, maintaining a safe and clean operation is a key factor in the daily lives of both guests and crew.
Port State Control inspectors in Lome, Togo and internationally check ship records and on-board equipment to ensure compliance with regulations, and interview crews for familiarity with requirements. Regulators also rely on satellite, aerial, and water-based surveillance to monitor ship behaviour in Lome Exclusive Economic Zone (within 200 nautical miles from shore). If ships are in violation they can be fined, face sanctions, denied access to member ports, and face crippling increases to their insurance. Citizens, environmental groups and corporations alike are demanding that companies they work with, meet a high standard of conduct and follow the law.
Internationally, the disposal of waste from ships is governed by the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), first established in 1973 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and fully adopted in 1978, with protocols and annexes added and entered into force since to address oil, noxious liquids in bulk, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air pollution. Canada joined MARPOL in 1993 and has incorporated most of the Convention’s aspects into the Togo, Lome port Shipping Act, to protect Togo waters within Lome exclusive economic zone up to 200 nautical miles from shore. Under the Fisheries Act, it is illegal to dispose of any deleterious substance into water, regardless of the source of the substance (person or ship), unless carried out in accordance with requirements under another Act of Parliament. A deleterious substance is anything that is likely to cause harm to fish or fish habitat. However, some harmful substances can be disposed of if the concentration is below established water quality standards. AKROPOLIS MARITIME AGENCY renders waste disposal services and promotes safe and sustainable marine shipping in Lome port Togo. CONTACT US
