The new EU Directive on Port Reception Facilities for Ship-Generated Waste and Cargo Residues: an evaluation

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the new (summer 2000) EU Directive on port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues. Five key elements of this Directive are considered with respect both to their potential effectiveness relative to existing practices, and to suggested weaknesses. The elements are: the mandatory provision of reception facilities in all ports; the mandatory use of such facilities by all ships; notification requirements on all ships; a mandatory common charging system; and compliance provisions. On the basis of this analysis, conclusions are drawn about the effectiveness of the new EU Directive as an instrument for preventing marine pollution. Additional recommendations are made in light of weaknesses that are identified.