The EU Commission has presented its first Strategy for plastics as part of its efforts to reduce waste and promote the development of a circular economy.
The strategy presents key commitments for action at EU level as for example new rules on packaging to improve plastics recyclability and further actions to reduce plastic waste.
Among these initiatives, the EC has included a proposal for a new Port Reception Facilities Directive. This new EU law updates Directive 2000/59/EC which implements the IMO MARPOL Convention. By updating the regulatory framework, the Directive Proposal aims to achieve a higher protection level of the marine environment by reducing waste discharges at sea, as well as improving the efficiency of maritime operations in ports by reducing the administrative burdens.
The main important change is the proposal for a new a new indirect fee system for waste delivery. If this provision was made law, it would mean that all ships would pay for the total cost of waste discharged in ports, regardless of whether they deliver any waste. This indirect fee would cover the administrative costs, as well as a significant part of the operational costs linked to the waste delivery and disposal.
“We support support the objectives of the Directive Proposal. The harmonization and update of the EU legislation is essential to reduce marine litter and ship-generated waste. Nonetheless, the legislation needs to define an efficient and fair fee system that works as an incentive for ports and shipowners to discharge waste ashore” says Anna Maria Darmanin, ETA Secretary General.
This Port Reception Facilities Proposal has just begun the EU-law making process, this means it still has to be discussed and approved by both the EU Parliament and Council, that should agree on a common text.
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