ECSA calls for better reception facilities

It was agreed that the system set by the PRF directive remained appropriate but that its implementation lacked proper enforcement. Therefore the ECSA called for an improvement of the system focusing on certain objectives.

The first being to improve the adequacy of PRF for ship-generated waste and harmful cargo residues. This included the development of facilities to cover new types of waste induced by stricter environmental requirements.

ECSA also called for a reasonable, harmonised and functional fee system that fulfils minimum requirements and constitutes a fair incentive for shipowners to deliver waste ashore.

There should also be better enforcement of MARPOL provisions on harmful cargo residues without introducing additional requirements in the revised PRF directive.

The two other main objectives set by the ECSA were; for clarification of the exceptions and exemptions regime without endangering the goals of the PRF directive, so more flexibility can be offered not only to short sea vessels engaged in scheduled traffic.

As well as enforcing the PRF directive through an efficient monitoring and enforcement mechanism with inspections but also through an electronic system that will allow shipowners to report on inadequacies.