Marine Litter-MED Project
Introduction
As tasked by the European Union - funded Marine Litter-MED project, REMPEC is leading and coordinating a number of activities to assist the relevant beneficiary countries in their execution of the Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean. Currently, the REMPEC-led initiatives mainly focus on the Cost Recovery System (CRS) adopted by the ports for the use of port reception facilities (PRF), which is closely related to the choice of means to discharge ship-generated waste, as well as the provision of PRF and delivery of ship-generated waste in the marinas. So far, REMEPC has published a dedicated Study on CRS, a Guidance document for the adoption of CRS, Operational Guidelines on the provision of PRF and delivery of ship-generated waste, and has carried out pilots in 3 beneficiary countries (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia).
Overview
The Marine Litter-MED project aims to support the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention from the Southern Mediterranean / European Neighbourhood to implement the Regional Plan on Marine Litter Management in the Mediterranean.
Tasked by the project, REMPEC has been coordinating the following activities:
- Carrying out a Study on the cost recovery system (CRS) for the use of port reception facilities (PRF);
- Developing a Guidance Document on the application of CRS;
- Developing Operational Guidelines on the provision of PRF and delivery of ship generated waste;
- Implementing pilots related to the better management of sea-based marine litter in ports and marinas in the beneficiary countries;
- Holding national meetings in the beneficiary countries to raise awareness of the issue; and
- Organizing a field visit in the Port of Antwerp to enhance sharing of best practices.)
Study
REMPEC directs a study, based on a literature review of existing best practices in the Mediterranean, as well as other European Regional Seas for the application of charges at reasonable costs and No-Special-Fee system for the use of port reception facilities, hereinafter referred to as “the Study”. The Study was delivered in 2018.
The Study provides an overview of types of cost recovery systems and best practices, regarding the application of these systems in the Mediterranean and other European Regional Seas, such as:
- No-Special-Fee systems (NFS),
- Administrative waste fee/contribution systems (ADM)
- Direct fee only systems,
The Study analyses their performance and effects in different types of ports. In addition, the Study also looks into the elements determining the incentives for ships to use the port reception facilities (PRF).
Guidance document
REMPEC coordinated the development of a Guidance Document to Determine the Application of Charges at Reasonable Costs for the Use of Port Reception Facilities or, when Applicable, Application of No-Special-Fee System, in the Mediterranean, hereinafter referred to as “the Guidance Document”, which was delivered in 2019.
The Guidance Document investigates the charging elements for the use of PRF in the different fee systems, including the NSF system. It identifies the different elements which influence the cost for providing and operating PRF, and how these can be implemented in a fee system embracing the “polluter pays” principle, without also entailing excessive costs for the users of ports and marinas.
The key components of the Guidance Document include:
- Regulatory frameworks related to Cost Recovery Systems
- Types of Cost Recovery Systems
- Application of Cost Recovery Systems in ports and marinas
- Elements determining the “cost” of PRF
- Recommendations for the application of Cost Recovery Systems in ports and marinas in the Mediterranean
Operational Guidelines
The Operational Guidelines on the Provisions of Reception Facilities in Ports and the Delivery of Ship-Generated Wastes in the Mediterranean, hereinafter referred to as “The Operational Guidelines”, which were developed under the direction of REMPEC and delivered in 2019.
The Operational Guidelines look in detail at issues relating to the provision of Port Reception Facilities (PRF), including the type and capacity for the different types of MARPOL wastes in the different types of ports, and the operational procedures related to the use of the PRF and the delivery of ship-generated waste. The Operational Guidelines focus on the practical steps that can help to achieve the provision of adequate PRF in ports and marinas in the Mediterranean Sea, from the viewpoint of the port authority.
The main elements covered in the Operational Guidelines include:
- Planning and provision of PRF
- Types of PRF
- Collection and storage of ship-generated wastes
- Ensuring the adequacy of different types of PRF
- Procedures related to the operation of PRF
- Guidance related to the provision of PRF in the Mediterranean
Pilots
REMPEC undertakes the task of selecting, in consultation with the relevant national authorities, major ports and marinas in the beneficiary countries of the Marine Litter-MED Project and implementing pilots. The purpose of these pilots is to create better management of sea-based marine litter, with a specific focus put on the choice and application of cost recovery systems (pilots in ports) and provision of reception facilities, and the delivery of ship generated wastes (pilots in marinas).
The chief expected outcomes of the pilots are:
- A targeted diagnosis on the application of the CRS used in the related ports
- The proposal on
- the development of specific waste reception and handling plan for the related ports and marinas
- the possible revisions to the existing specific waste reception and handling plans of the related port and marina;
- Expert advice to be provided about the choice and application of suitable CRS, especially the No-Special-Fee system, and on the provision of reception facilities and the delivery of ship-generated wastes.
As of 31 December 2019, 8 pilots have been implemented in the following countries:
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Tunisia
National Meetings
REMPEC has been helping to conduct national meetings addressing the management of sea-based marine litter in the beneficiary countries of the Marine Litter-MED Project, which involve:
- The national authorities
- Port and marina operators
- Shipping companies
- Other relevant stakeholders, such as research institutes and NGOs
The topics of the national meetings include:
- Application of charges at reasonable costs for the use of port reception facilities or, when applicable, application of No-Special-Fee system
- The provision of port reception facilities and the delivery of ship generated wastes
- Updated information relevant to the obligations arising from MARPOL Annex V
- The national legislation concerning the management of marine litter NGOs
As of 31 December 2019, there have been four meetings held for the following countries:
- Algeria
- Morocco
- Tunisia
- Libya (held in Tunisia)
Field visit
To enhance information and knowledge sharing and further promote best practices regarding the management of sea-based marine litter, REMPEC organized a field visit by Port Authority representatives of the Port of Antwerp, from 30 to 31 October 2018, in collaboration with the Antwerp Port Authority. This visit was attended by representatives from 5 beneficiary countries (Algeria, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia) and 2 other contracting parties to the Barcelona Convention (the EU and Monaco). Two speakers invited by REMPEC, respectively from Spain and Turkey also participated in the event, providing information relating to the domestic measures and practices adopted to tackle the issue of sea-based marine litter.
The visit covered a set of agenda items, including:
- The use of port reception facilities in the Port of Antwerp and fee system (MARPOL)
- The use of waste reception facilities for inland shipping in the port of Antwerp (CDNI)
- Marine Litter Strategy
- Sustainable Development
- The remediation of marine litter & the Zero Pellet Loss Initiative
- Visit of waste reception facilities (for waste regulated by MARPOL and for inland shipping)