Pollution of the oceans – especially through plastic waste – is one of the biggest global environmental challenges of our time. International shipping has been facing up to its responsibility for a long time and is subject to a globally uniform and strict set of regulations: the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention) issued by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Annex V, which deals with the prevention of waste discharges into the sea, is particularly relevant.
According to these regulations, it is prohibited worldwide, without exception, to discharge plastic waste and other environmentally harmful waste into the sea. Violations of these regulations are subject to severe penalties, including in European and German ports where regular government inspections are carried out.
Implementation on board
Every merchant ship and cruise ship must have a waste management plan that regulates the collection, separation and storage of all waste produced. On board, a specially appointed officer is responsible for compliance with this plan. All crew members are trained accordingly.
Waste is disposed of exclusively on land at designated facilities in ports. Exceptions apply to certain types of food waste only, subject to clearly defined restrictions. Every time waste is disposed of, the port issues a receipt documenting the type and quantity of waste. In addition, every ship must keep a waste diary which can be inspected at any time during port state controls.
Fair rules for all
The global scope of the MARPOL regulations ensures that there is a level playing field for all shipping companies worldwide, regardless of flag or trade.
The main sources: land-based pollutants, fishing and leisure
In view of the strict regulations for maritime shipping, it is not surprising that, according to the German Federal Environmental Agency, around 80 per cent of marine litter comes from land-based sources such as rivers, unsecured landfills near the coast, or wastewater that transports microplastics from cosmetic products, cleaning agents and textile fibres into the sea.
Fishing, leisure boats and yachts also contribute significantly to pollution, for example through lost nets, fishing lines or equipment. This type of pollution is not subject to MARPOL regulations, which makes its environmental impact more difficult to control.
