In the framework of World Water Week, which takes place from 20 to 24 August, we would like to highlight our dedication to MARPOL (Marine Pollution) waste management in the Port of Barcelona. Our plant is specialised in the collection and treatment of waste from ships and cruise ships, with the commitment to protect our oceans and promote sustainability under the Zero Waste philosophy. In this article we explain our services, the different types of MARPOL waste we manage and the positive impact we have on the environment.
MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN THE PORT OF BARCELONA
Our plant in the Port of Barcelona is equipped to handle all types of waste classified according to the IMO MARPOL 73/78 convention. We specialise in waste from ships and cruise ships, ensuring proper and sustainable treatment.
MARPOL I: OILY WASTE
Types of oily waste:
- Type A: crude oil cargo residues and ballast water affected by crude oil.
- Type B: oily residues from hydrocarbon cargo other than crude oil.
- Type C: sludge, bilge water and oily residues from the engine rooms and purification equipment of ships.
MARPOL IV: STAINLESS WATER
Types of dirty water:
These waters include those from toilets, kitchens, general cleaning, medical dispensaries, etc., and are not considered dangerous.
MARPOL V: SOLID WASTE
Types of solid waste:
- Plastics, packaging, paper, cardboard, glass, organic and wood
- Basic waste
- Hazardous waste: absorbents, batteries, fluorescent lights, paint residues…
The treatment of this MARPOL waste focuses on valorisation, promoting recycling and reuse to minimise the environmental impact.
MARPOL VI: GAS CLEANING WASTE
Types of gas cleaning waste:
This MARPOL waste includes waste water from the combustion gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) of ships.
OUR MARPOL FLEET FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF WASTE FROM SHIPS AND CRUISE SHIPS
We have more than 250 vehicles, a large fleet equipped with the latest technological advances, with which we can offer a fast and personalised service.
The fleet is equipped with a geolocation system that, through the use of mobile devices, allows monitoring the status of all operational services in real time.
Tanker Trucks
These are suction-drive vehicles equipped with the latest technological advances for technical cleaning and unclogging that we use for the collection of MARPOL I waste.
They transport harmless, toxic or dangerous liquids (TPC/ADR).
Capacity of 2, 7, 22 and 28 m3.
Hooklifts
These are used for the collection of MARPOL V waste. The waste is loaded on pallets by type of waste and transported to our plant in the Port of Barcelona to be recovered.
Vessels
We have 2 vessels for the collection of MARPOL waste, equipped with the latest technology:
- Barge JAK UNO: intended for the collection of hydrocarbon waste, bilge water and similar MARPOL I waste.
It has a storage capacity of 230 m3 of oily liquids. - Barge JAK DOS: intended for the collection of general waste and recoverable materials (MARPOL V), as its main activity, with versatility for the management of other MARPOL waste. It has a storage capacity of 32.5 m3 of oily liquids.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND PROTECTION OF THE OCEAN
Our commitment to protecting the oceans is reflected in our daily operations. Through comprehensive MARPOL waste management, we work to minimise the environmental impact of ships and cruise ships visiting the Port of Barcelona. Our Zero Waste philosophy guides us through every step of the process, ensuring that each waste is managed responsibly and sustainably.
FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR MARPOL WASTE
With the cruise industry constantly growing and the number of tourists opting for this mode of travel increasing, our work becomes even more crucial. Some studies predict that global cruise capacity will increase by 10% by 2028. This growth not only increases the number of visitors and the economic impact, but also the amount of waste generated, which presents a significant challenge for MARPOL waste management.
As we move towards a future with increased cruise capacity, at TMA we are committed to continuing to improve our techniques and processes to handle this waste even more efficiently and sustainably. Investing in new technologies and treatment methods will allow us to maintain our leadership in MARPOL waste management and continue to contribute to the protection of the marine environment.
ZERO WASTE PHILOSOPHY IN MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT
This World Water Week, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible MARPOL waste management at the Port of Barcelona. Our dedication to protecting the oceans and promoting sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations. With a Zero Waste philosophy and a comprehensive approach to waste treatment, we continue to work to minimize environmental impact and foster a more sustainable cruise industry.
We take care of our clients and we take care of the environment.
We are much more than comprehensive waste management.
Do you need efficient waste management or more information about the services we offer at TMA? Write to us at comercial@tma.es and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully adapted to your needs.
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