The Atlantic BluePorts project, recently selected by the Interreg Cooperation Program of the Atlantic Area, has as its main aim to improve port services for the discharge and treatment of ship effluents. The project brings together 28 partners and associated entities; representing ports, operators, public authorities, companies and universities throughout the Atlantic area. Their common objective is to motivate maritime communities to stop dumping into the sea by designing attractive port services.
A focus on oiled effluents and ballast water, Why?
The entry into force of the IMO Ballast Water convention is another challenge for shipping companies, ports and public authorities. What are the best application schemes of the convention? Are ships owner the only one concerned? What to do when embarked treatment systems fail?
Through the project, the stakeholders of the Atlantic area will lead a joint analysis of most relevant solutions. The ports will have the opportunity to test in real conditions Damen’s IMO certified InvaSave ballast water management treatment system. The ports of Gijon, Canaries Islands, Madeira, Setubal and Brest have been the firsts at declaring their interest. Other interested sites will be equipped on demand. All will benefit from cross-regional cooperation as the ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Dunkirk, Vlissingen, Den Helder, Stellendam and Harlingen will soon be equipped.
“Our goal is to build up a reliable worldwide ballast water service network,” said Philip Rabe from Damen Green Solutions. Since the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention was enforced on the 8 September 2017, some ship owners are already facing delays in ports due to unmanaged ballast water.”