TMA at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami: boosting MARPOL waste management and maritime sustainability

From April 7-10, 2025, TMA was present at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025, the leading cruise industry event, held in Miami. This event, which brings together the main cruise lines and suppliers in the sector, has been a key platform for sharing knowledge, establishing strategic alliances, and strengthening TMA’s commitment to maritime sustainability. In this article, we want to share our experience and highlight the progress we have made in MARPOL waste management, a crucial area for reducing the cruise industry’s environmental impact.

 

SETTING SAIL FOR SEATRADE CRUISE GLOBAL IN MIAMI: SAILING TOWARDS CLEANER SEAS

 

Seatrade Cruise Global is the key event for the cruise industry, bringing together more than 70 cruise lines and thousands of industry professionals. It’s the ideal space to learn about new trends and technologies, as well as establish strategic contacts that promote sustainability in the sector.

From April 7 to 10, Enric and David, members of TMA’s MARPOL plant team, participated in Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, one of the most important events in the industry.

This event represents a key opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange knowledge, and explore new opportunities to continue transforming the cruise industry.

For TMA, participating in this event has been an opportunity to consolidate our position as leaders in waste management in the maritime industry.

During the event, we shared our expertise in MARPOL waste management, a key aspect of reducing the environmental impact of cruise ships.

 

What we achieved at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025

Primarily, we consolidated our position as leaders in MARPOL waste management: we are experts in efficient waste management in the maritime industry and actively contribute to the sustainability of the cruise sector.

During the event, we established strategic alliances with key players in the industry, committed to innovation and continuous improvement, and who share our vision of a cleaner future for the oceans.

In addition, we had the opportunity to discover new technologies that will allow us to further optimize our waste management processes, taking our work to a new level of efficiency and sustainability.

This event was a key opportunity to advance the continuous improvement of our services and share solutions with the most relevant players in the sector.

The event was an excellent platform to promote maritime sustainability and reinforce TMA’s commitment to responsible waste management in the cruise industry.

Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 was a key meeting point for continuing to innovate and collaborate for a cleaner future for the oceans. We are proud to be an active part of this mission to ensure the sustainability of the seas and oceans

 

IMPORTANCE OF MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY

 

Proper MARPOL waste management is essential to preserving the marine environment and ensuring the sustainability of the cruise industry.

Environmental impact of MARPOL waste on oceans and marine ecosystems

Every year, ships and cruise ships generate thousands of tons of waste, ranging from oil and contaminated water to plastics, organic debris, and harmful substances.

If not managed responsibly, this waste can cause serious damage to marine ecosystems, affect ocean biodiversity, and contribute significantly to coastal pollution.

Therefore, compliance with the international regulations of the MARPOL 73/78 Convention is essential to protecting the marine environment.

 

This convention, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), establishes a series of regulations to prevent and control pollution of the oceans and seas caused by ships. It establishes clear rules on how this waste should be managed safely, from collection and storage to treatment and disposal.

 

TMA AND INTEGRAL MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT: COMMITMENT TO MARITIME SUSTAINABILITY

 

At TMA, we understand that efficient MARPOL waste management is essential to reducing the environmental impact of the cruise industry.

Our goal is to minimize the carbon footprint of ships and ensure that all waste generated is managed safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Proper MARPOL waste management is essential for the sustainability of the maritime sector and the protection of our oceans.

 

At TMA, we specialize in comprehensive MARPOL waste management, strictly adhering to international regulations. From our facilities in the Port of Barcelona, ​​we guarantee a 24/7 service for maritime waste management, thus contributing to a cleaner and healthier marine environment.

 

Technological innovation in maritime waste management

We have incorporated innovative technologies that optimize every stage of the process: from collection and transportation to waste treatment. This implementation of advanced solutions allows us not only to comply with international standards but also to actively contribute to the preservation of our oceans and seas.

At TMA, we believe it is essential to offer sustainable solutions that protect the environment while promoting a more responsible maritime sector that is aware of its impact on nature..

 

Types of MARPOL Waste: Classification and international standards

The MARPOL 73/78 Convention establishes international standards for the prevention of pollution from ships. This convention regulates different types of waste generated on board vessels, known as MARPOL waste.

At TMA, we manage MARPOL waste in accordance with its various annexes, which include both liquid and solid waste generated on vessels.

• • Annex I: Hydrocarbon and polluted water

MARPOL I waste is waste related to the prevention of hydrocarbon. This includes waste such as water contaminated with hydrocarbon (e.g., bilge water and oily waste). TMA manages this waste through marine and land-based collection, ensuring proper treatment and complying with international regulations.

• • Annex II: Noxious liquid substances in bulk

MARPOL Annex II regulates noxious liquid substances transported in bulk. These substances can pose a risk to the environment if not managed properly. At TMA, we have the necessary resources to transport and treat this waste safely and efficiently.

• • Annex IV: Sewage from ships

MARPOL IV waste includes sewage generated on board ships. This wastewater originates primarily from vessels’ drainage systems. At TMA, we are responsible for the collection and treatment of this wastewater, complying with all environmental guidelines.

• • Annex V: Solid waste generated on board

MARPOL Annex V regulates the prevention of pollution caused by garbage and solid waste generated on board, such as plastics, paper, and organic waste. TMA is responsible for the collection and recycling of this waste, promoting its recovery and reducing its environmental impact.

• • Annex VI: Air pollution from ships

MARPOL Annex VI establishes standards to prevent air pollution caused by ships. Although we do not directly manage air pollution, TMA plays a key role in implementing sustainable solutions within the maritime industry. Therefore, in relation to Annex VI, TMA treats the water from the cleaning of ship exhaust gas residues.

MARPOL WASTE COLLECTION AND TRANSPORTATION: TMA’S MARITIME AND LAND FLEET

 

At TMA, we offer a comprehensive approach to the collection, transportation, and treatment of MARPOL waste, ensuring efficient and sustainable management. We have a logistics infrastructure that combines maritime and land solutions, ensuring traceability and compliance with environmental regulations.

Our specialized fleet allows us to adapt to the needs of each port operation, optimizing resources and minimizing the environmental impact on ports and the marine ecosystem.

 

MARPOL waste collection by sea

We have two vessels designed for the collection of different types of waste generated by the maritime industry:

• • Barge JAK UNO: Specifically designed for the collection of hydrocarbon waste and bilge water (MARPOL I). Its storage capacity reaches 230 m³ of oily liquids, allowing for efficient and safe management.
  • Barge JAK DOS: Specialized in the management of solid waste (MARPOL V) and recoverable materials. Its storage capacity is 32.5 m³ for oily liquids, allowing for versatile operations adapted to the needs of vessels.

 

Maritime collection minimizes the environmental footprint, reduces port congestion, and ensures immediate waste treatment, preventing its accumulation and potential impact on marine ecosystems.

 

Collection and land transport of MARPOL waste

To complete our comprehensive MARPOL waste management, at TMA we have a specialized land fleet equipped with the necessary technology for the safe and efficient transport of this waste to authorized treatment centers.

 

Specialized trucks and tankers for MARPOL waste

Our land fleet includes:

• • Specialized tankers for the collection and transport of liquid waste (MARPOL I and II), such as used oil and contaminated water.
  • More than 200 collection trucks adapted for solid waste (MARPOL V), ensuring safe and efficient operations.

 

All our vehicles are ADR certified, complying with the highest safety standards for the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

They also incorporate advanced control and monitoring systems, optimizing waste traceability from source to final treatment.

 

How land logistics complements the efficiency of maritime waste management

The combination of maritime collection and land transport is key to efficient and sustainable MARPOL waste management.

While port collection by barge allows for immediate handling of waste generated by ships and reduces the environmental impact in ports, land transport facilitates its transfer to specialized plants for proper treatment.

Thanks to this dual infrastructure, at TMA we can offer a flexible, safe service aligned with international regulations, ensuring a rapid and effective response in every port operation.

This synergy between sea and land optimizes logistics processes and also reinforces our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability in the maritime sector.

 

 

MARPOL WASTE TREATMENT: TECHNOLOGY AND COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT

 

At TMA, we have specialized treatment lines that guarantee the efficient and responsible management of MARPOL waste, with the goal of minimizing environmental impact and complying with international regulations.

Through these lines, specific treatment is carried out for each type of waste, ensuring its proper handling, recovery, or final disposal.

Specialized treatment lines for MARPOL waste

• • Hydrocarbon Line: We treat hydrocarbon waste (MARPOL I) for fuel recovery.
  • Industrial Water Line: We treat aqueous liquid waste derived from MARPOL I waste.
  • Stabilization and Inerting Line: We treat solid and pasty waste derived from MARPOL waste.
  • Non-Hazardous Waste Recovery Center (MARPOL V): We treat general waste and recoverable materials.
  • Hazardous Waste Recovery Center: We treat liquid and solid hazardous waste (MARPOL V, Category F).

 

Treatment of hydrocarbon waste (MARPOL I) and industrial water

The treatment of hydrocarbon waste is one of the fundamental pillars of MARPOL waste management.

At TMA, we have dedicated lines for the management of hydrocarbon-contaminated waters, such as bilge water, oily water, and similar waste.

These wastes, if not properly managed, can have a devastating impact on marine ecosystems.

The treatment of these wastes begins with their separation and recovery using advanced processes that extract hydrocarbons from the contaminated waters. 

The recovered hydrocarbons can then be reused as fuel, contributing to the circular economy.

 

The treated waters are purified and subjected to rigorous controls to ensure they pose no risk to the environment before their final disposal. 

Furthermore, this process is carried out under strict environmental regulations, ensuring that the operation complies with international legal and regulatory requirements.

 

Recovery of recoverable materials and hazardous waste treatment

Another key area in MARPOL waste treatment is the recovery of recoverable materials from solid and liquid waste generated by ships.

Through MARPOL Annex V, which regulates solid waste management, TMA is responsible for recovering materials such as metals, plastics, paper, cardboard, and other recyclable materials.

These materials can undergo a recovery process, where they are subjected to treatments that allow for their reuse, preventing them from becoming hazardous or difficult-to-manage waste.

In addition, at TMA we also treat hazardous waste, including those classified as MARPOL V, which require special handling procedures.

These include chemicals, polluting oils, and other industrial waste that, if not properly managed, can pose risks to public health and the environment. 

Our team has the necessary technology for the classification, storage, and final disposal of this waste, always ensuring compliance with international and local regulations.

 

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND QUALITY CERTIFICATION IN MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

En TMA, la seguridad y la calidad son principios fundamentales en todas nuestras operaciones de gestión de residuos MARPOL. 

Para garantizar que cumplimos con los más altos estándares, contamos con una serie de certificaciones de calidad y seguridad que nos avalan.

 

ISO Certifications: Quality and Safety in MARPOL waste management

The certifications we have obtained reflect our commitment to continuous improvement in MARPOL waste management and environmental protection.

ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) ensures that our waste management and treatment processes meet our customers’ quality expectations and international regulations.

With ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), we guarantee that our operations are carried out with respect for the environment, promoting sustainability, and minimizing the risks of pollution. 

ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) allows us to provide a safe working environment for both our employees and the surrounding communities, reducing occupational hazards and improving health and safety in all our facilities and processes.

These certifications are a key tool for optimizing our operational processes, ensuring safety in all our activities, and offering our customers the highest quality service.

 

Port of Barcelona Efficiency Network: Quality Mark awarded by the Port of Barcelona

 

The Port of Barcelona Efficiency Network Quality Mark is a recognition awarded to companies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability within the Port of Barcelona.

This distinction certifies that TMA meets the highest standards in terms of efficient waste management and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. 

By obtaining this mark, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and sustainability in all aspects of our MARPOL waste management, thus contributing to the development of a cleaner and more environmentally responsible port.

 

Ensuring environmental and operational safety in all our operations

At TMA, safety is a priority, both in environmental and operational terms.

To ensure safe handling of MARPOL waste, we have implemented rigorous safety and control protocols, from collection to treatment and final disposal. 

All our teams and personnel are specialized in safe waste management, applying procedures that minimize any risk to the environment, the health of workers, and nearby communities.

Furthermore, our facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows us to monitor, control, and ensure the traceability of all managed waste. 

Every step of the process is supervised to detect possible irregularities and respond immediately, maintaining a safe and efficient operation.

Our commitment to environmental safety is also reflected in our constant updating and adaptation to international regulations, ensuring that our practices align with global best practices and actively contribute to the protection of the oceans and marine biodiversity.

 

THE FUTURE OF MARPOL WASTE MANAGEMENT

 

At TMA, we are committed to efficiently and responsibly managing MARPOL waste, contributing to the protection of the maritime environment.

Through our advanced infrastructure, the use of innovative technologies, and a highly specialized team, we guarantee safe and sustainable management, aligned with international regulations.

Our goal is to continue promoting solutions that minimize the environmental impact of the maritime industry, promoting increasingly sustainable and efficient practices in MARPOL waste management.

At TMA, we will remain committed to the efficient and sustainable management of MARPOL waste, ensuring a cleaner future for our oceans.

 

 

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 plantamarpol@tma.es and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully adapted to your needs.

 

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