EU PRF Directive

INTERTANKO has been participating in the European Sustainable Shipping Forum's (ESSF) sub-Group on Port Reception Facilities. The following key documents and guidance has been circulated within the group and is now publicly available on the European Maritime Safety Agency's (EMSA) and below:

1. EMSA Guidance for Ship Inspections
   We would draw your attention to the emphasis on the use of the Advanced Waste Notification Form (ANF) and its submission through the National Single Windows, page 4. Member States (MS) had until December 2016 to implement the mandatory use of the ANF through their national legislation with some MS already taking measures to enforce this requirement.
2. EMSA Technical Recommendations on the Implementation of Directive 2000/59/EC on Port Reception Facilities
   This document is aimed at ports and focuses primarily on the development of port waste reception and handling plans. However, it also provides an interpretation of the assessment and determination of sufficient storage capacity, as provided for in Article 7.2 of the Directive. INTERTANKO's Members have been at the receiving end of various interpretations of this article in the past when visiting European ports. Whether this interpretation will assist Members is yet to be seen but it is likely that some ports may reference this document in the future when demanding the delivery of ship generated waste and cargo residues.
3. EMSA Study on the Management of Ship-Generated Waste On-board Ships
   While this is not a guidance document nor a technical recommendation it is worthwhile noting some of the assumptions and interpretations being made. Particular attention should be paid to the section on Oily Tank Washings (Slops), pages 27-29.

In relation to the implementation and enforcement of the EU Directive, there remains some uncertainty around the mandatory delivery of slops (referred to as Oily Tank Washings). For example, the Port of Tarragona continues to insist on the mandatory delivery of slops. If any Members have experienced problems with European ports then please keep the Secretariat advised so the matter can be appropriately raised within the ESSF sub-Group and with EMSA.