Grey Water Spill Highlights Need For MARPOL Update

Reports that a cruise vessel discharged several thousand litres of food waste and grey water into the Great Barrier Reef should send a clear message to the International Maritime Organisation that MARPOL Annex IV needs urgent revision, said Mark Beavis, Managing Director of ACO Marine.

great-barrier-reef-3col — Image Credits: saabgroup.com

While the alleged incident is still under investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the pulped slurry could have been transferred from a food waste holding the tank to the ship’s grey water holding tank from where it was unintentionally discharged overboard into the protected marine park. The incident occurred on 26th of August 2018.

“There are local rules regulating the discharge of ships’ grey water, but there is still no internationally-enforced requirement to prevent the damage that this waste stream can have on the marine environment and, ultimately, human health. Grey water is a such an under-reported threat; much more so than oily water, black water and sewage,” said Beavis. When discharged into the marine environment, the oils, fats, detergents, chemicals, greases, galley waste and micro- and nano plastics that make up the grey water stream can flood the surrounding environment with nutrients. “It overloads the biological make-up of the eco-system, is being consumed by marine life and is entering the food chain,” said Beavis.

In October, researchers at the Medical University of Vienna and the Environment Agency Austria published the results of a study into the amount of microplastic found in human stools.

The study, the first of its kind, analysed stool samples from eight participants around the world. None of the participants identified themselves as vegetarian and six ate fish. The samples contained up to nine different plastics of between 50 and 500 micrometres in size. On average, researchers found 20 microplastic particles per 10g of stool.

“Up to 5% of all the world’s plastic ends up in the ocean, finding its way into seafood, including tuna, lobster and shrimp,” said Beavis. “A significant amount of this microplastic is being discharged in the grey water generated by the global shipping fleet but, as an industry, we can reduce this by simply revising existing legislation.

“If we follow the spirit of MARPOL Annex IV, then grey water must be added because it has a far greater environmental and human impact than any other wastewater stream.”

Press Release

Disclaimer :
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

About Author

Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.