Ship cleanliness and wastewater management
Replaces LMN 05/2023
1. Wastewater and Waste Substances Discharge Prohibition
The discharge of wastewater and any waste substances into port waters is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized by a member of the port authority staff.
Under Port Authorities Regulations 2001, Part 2, Division 4, Section 17, vessel masters must ensure:
- No discharge of dry bulk cargo residues, hold cleaning, garbage or deck washings.
- No discharge of sewage, oil, bilge water, or oily water.
- No discharge of grey water causing effluent or oily slicks.
- No release of soot from funnels resulting in visible deposits.
Failure to comply may result in operational suspension or further enforcement actions.
The port provides garbage reception facility.
2. Ballast Water Management
Vessel masters must ensure that all ballast water complies with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention). There have been few incidents in the past where ballast taken from river ports, consisted of sediments or contaminants was discharged in the port waters
Key Instructions:
- Ballasting and de-ballasting operations may be suspended if non-compliance is identified.
- Port Authority reserves the right to inspect ballast water quality.
3. Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) Operations
The use of open-loop scrubbers (EGCS) is permitted within port waters under the following conditions:
- EGCS must comply with MARPOL Annex VI and the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983, Section 26FEGA.
- EGCS must operate in accordance with the 2021 IMO Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (Resolution MEPC.340(77)).
- Wash water discharge must meet quality criteria outlined in the 2021 EGCS Guidelines.
If soot slicks are observed on the water surface:
- Immediately cease using the EGCS and switch to compliant fuels.
- Rectify the EGCS to eliminate emissions.
- Report the incident to the Port Authority.