Waste MARPOL 73/78

Reducing marine and coastal pollution is a fundamental objective worldwide.

One of the main causes of the deterioration suffered in the marine environment is the waste, consisting of oily mixtures, dirty water, rubbish and cargo waste, produced by ships in their daily activity. In recent years, in order to prevent the constant degradation of the marine environment, different international agreements have been negotiated thanks to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The main objective of what is known as the MARPOL 73/78 Agreement, in force at present, is to achieve the complete elimination of intentional marine environment pollution by hydrocarbons and other harmful substances, and to reduce the accidental discharging of such substances.

This Agreement, ratified by the Spanish Government, obliges vessels berthing in Spanish State Ports to be supervised to ensure that they comply with the norms of the Agreement by setting out its scope and application, the prevention measures to be adopted by vessels in their waste management and the facilities the subscribing Spanish ports must be equipped with for the reception and treatment of this waste.

Information for users concerning the reception of ship-generated waste (PDF)