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Tackling marine litter IMO / FAO port guidance document issued

Tackling marine litter IMO / FAO port guidance document issued

A new guide to support countries to put in place port reception facilities to receive marine plastic litter from ships has been published. Plastic litter has devastating effects on oceans, marine life and human health. Some scientists warn that, by 2050, the quantity of plastics in the sea will outweigh fish.

With the title Guidance Document on Conducting Techno-Economic Feasibility Studies for the Establishment of Port Reception Facilities for Plastic Waste the document has been developed by the GloLitter Partnership team*.

The paper is by Guido Van Meel, IMO Consultant from Ostend. It is published by the IMO and Peer Reviewed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It can be downloaded by clicking here:

https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/PartnershipsProjects/Documents/GloLitter/Online%20-%20GloLitter%20TEFS%20(ENG)%20-%20Guidance%20Document%20on%20Conducting%20Techno-Economic%20Feasibility%20Studies%20for%20the%20Establishment%20of%20Port%20Reception%20Facilities%20for%20Plastic%20Waste.pdf

This  document outlines the costs of operating a port reception facility and the revenue that such facilities can generate. It provides tools and guidance on conducting economic assessments and techno-feasibility studies concerning port reception facilities for plastic waste generated on board ships, including fishing gear. Case studies of waste reception facilities in different ports around the world (large and small) are used to illustrate the relevant income and expenditure flows.

Ports need to cover the costs incurred in collecting and treating the waste received from ships by charging direct and/or indirect fees, and by selling products derived from the waste. In smaller ports with limited vessel calls, it is deemed essential that all ships contribute to the cost of provision of reception facilities, including those ships not actually using them. Reception facilities in large ports are on standby around the clock so that ships that need to discharge waste are not unduly delayed. In smaller ports this would be too costly. 

IMO is taking action to address the issue of marine plastic litter from ships. In 2021 the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted its Strategy to address marine plastic litter from ships. It aims to achieve zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2025.

GloLitter is an IMO partnership project with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) funded by Norway, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and The Commonwealth of Australia. It assists developing countries to prevent and reduce marine litter, especially plastic marine litter, within the maritime transport and fisheries sectors and identify opportunities for the reduction of plastic uses in both industries.

The project expands government and port management capacities, and instigates legal, policy and institutional reforms at the country level by developing mechanisms for sustainability and enhancing regional cooperation. 

*For more on the GloLitter Partnership see here:

https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/partnershipsprojects/pages/glolitter-partnerships-project-.aspx

Illustration per www.imo.org

IMO ©

 

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Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel - Grand Ballroom, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development Conference

Conference

As a distinguished professional, working in the fast changing world of dredging, waterborne transport infrastructure or related industries, you are invited to join us at an event on 18 October 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which is dedicated to advancing industry knowledge in the arena of sustainable dredging and related topics.

Joining this event also gives you the unique opportunity to network with more than 60 CEOs and senior management of IADC member companies and PIANC platinum members. Therefore, you are also welcome at our special pre-conference networking drink/dinner on Thursday 17 October 2024. 

This exclusive 1-day conference will be organised at the prestigious Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. By attending you have the opportunity to meet professionals from all sectors, involved in the realisation of sustainable dredging projects and sustainable waterborne transport infrastructure with a strong focus on Climate Change and ‘Working/Building with Nature’. Participants will originate from around the world, making it possible for you to take your network to an international level.

Who should attend?

Professionals and companies aiming to deliver dredging projects with longevity which also maximise the benefits to society, nature and economy will find this event to be of particular relevance. The Conference ‘Integrating Dredging in Sustainable Development’ will bring essential knowledge for planners, designers, decision makers, regulators, contractors, project owners and environmental advocates. Register by 15 September 2024 to secure your place as space is limited.

The programme

During this day full of interaction and discussion the focus is on two cases, a "greenfield case” and a "brownfield case". In business and project development, a "greenfield case" typically refers to a scenario where a project is initiated on previously undeveloped land or in a completely new and untouched environment. It contrasts with a "brownfield case," where development occurs on land that has been previously developed or used for industrial or commercial purposes.

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Brought to you by OceanWise and Brewzone Africa - Join the first Charting Water Workshop entitled “Harnessing Environmental Data for Hydrography" which is running on the 15th - 16th April 2024 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Nigeria.

Bringing hydrography professionals together from all over West Africa, this intimate 2-day workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure. We will also have a number of key real-world case studies and local experts in attendance to provide some best practice and recent hands-on experiences.

Full details of the developing programme and registration can be found here on our Eventbrite page

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited so please register now to secure your place.

What will it cover?
This workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure.

Who is it for and why should I attend?
This is for professionals with an interest in Hydrography based in, or working in, West Africa.
Ideal for individuals from a variety of industries including Ports, Harbours, Inland Waterways, Oil and Gas, Education, Navy, Maritime Authorities, Research and Development etc etc
It offers a friendly and interactive environment to expand your knowledge, network with fellow professionals and collaborate on real-world case studies.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts, share your experiences, and receive a certification of completion on day two

How do I book?
Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and registration

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Navtech, 5th and 6th December 2023, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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IHMA Congress 2024

Join us on a marine adventure in Morocco. The 14th International Harbour Master Congress will take place at Tanger Med Port Centre from 21-24 May 2024. This year’s theme is The Marine Adventure – Evolving and Adapting to Change in Today’s Ports. You are welcome to come along for three days of presentations, deliberations and discussions covering every step of the port call process. On the fourth day, you can enjoy a guided tour of the Port of Tranger Med. To learn more, or to register for the event, please visit the IHMA Congress Website.

 

INTRODUCING TANGER MED

Tanger Med is the 1st port in Africa and in the Mediterranean.

It’s a global logistics gateway located on the Strait of Gibraltar and connected to more than 180 ports worldwide with handling capacities of: 9 million containers, exports of 1 million new vehicles, transit of 7 million passengers and 700,000 trucks on an annual basis.

CARGOES HANDLED

CONTAINER TRAFFIC: SURPASSING TEH 8 MILLION MARK

In 2023, Tanger Med Port processed 8,617,410 TEUs*, marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port's nominal capacity, was accomplished 4 years ahead of targets.

The outstanding performance is attributed to the successful operations of terminals TC1 and TC4, managed by Maersk-APM, and the continuous development of terminal TC3, operated by Tanger Alliance (A joint venture owned by Marsa Maroc with a 50% stake, in partnership with Eurogate holding 40% and Hapag Lloyd holding 10%). Additionally, 2023 witnessed record productivity levels, surpassing monthly peaks of 800,000 TEUs handled.

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, 477,993 trucks were processed, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. Industrial product traffic saw a significant surge of 14.3% compared to the previous year, offsetting a 7.7% decrease in agribusiness product traffic.

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC
The two vehicle terminals in the port complex handled 578,446 vehicles in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from 2022. This traffic primarily includes 341,758 vehicles for export, produced by Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca, along with 176,208 vehicles exported by the Stellantis plant in Kénitra.

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC
Liquid bulk traffic experienced a 6% growth compared to 2022, a total of 9,838,157 tons of handled hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, solid bulk traffic witnessed a 44% increase from the previous year, totalling 581,042 tons processed.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL
In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH
Tanger Med Port Complex handled 122 million tons of goods in 2023, reflecting a 13.6% increase from 2022, with 21% in Import/Export. This recorded global traffic is highest at the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean. This traffic also represents more than half of the total tonnage handled by all ports in Morocco.

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, a total of 16,900 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, marking a 17% growth from 2022, including 1,113 mega-ships (over 290 meters), representing a 16% increase from the previous year.

These results underscore the relevance of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for this strategic project.
Tanger Med remains firmly focused on the future, ready to face new challenges and strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in Morocco and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

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GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category GSTS and Port of Montreal jointly selected as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category

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Latest News & Events

GSTS is excited to announce it has been selected with Port of Montreal as one of three finalists for the #IAPH2024 Sustainability Awards in the Digitalization category. Our project nomination was selected from 71 submissions across the globe. 

Spain-headquartered major international maritime service provider Boluda Towage has taken delivery of a versatile multi-purpose tug from Sanmar Shipyards – its fourth delivery from the Turkish tug builder in under a year.

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