Denmark offers pioneering service for marine waste

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the consulting engineers Carl Bro have developed a data information system enabling ships to identify adequate waste reception facilities at Denmark’s 174 ports. The database offers easy and quick access to information on port facilities for reception of oil residues, litter, sewage and chemical waste.

The English-language database provides information on Danish ports that are able to receive specific types of waste, and in what quantity, and the disposal fee. As many ships now have internet access, they will be able to use the system while passing through Danish waters, but those without connection may receive information via their shipping company.

There are already plans to extend the concept to a larger geographical area with Danish EPA assistance funds reserved to include Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the information system. Russia, Finland, Sweden and Germany may also join the system to establish the first regional database ever for the Baltic Sea area.

“I am quite sure that most ships wish to meet the waste disposal requirements stipulated in the MARPOL Convention,” said Danish EPA Director General Steen Gade. “For foreign ships passing Danish waters it may be very difficult to get a survey of facilities for the reception of different wastes. The new database offers easy access to information on disposal facilities in Denmark, thus making life much easier for vessels that wish to act environmentally safely”.