Glossary

Deutsch: Entsorgung / Español: Disposición / Português: Descarte / Français: Élimination / Italiano: Smaltimento

Disposal in the maritime context refers to the methods and practices related to the elimination or handling of waste materials generated by ships, as well as the decommissioning of ships themselves. This encompasses a range of activities from the routine disposal of ship-generated waste to the scrapping and recycling of old vessels.

Description

In the maritime industry, disposal includes the management of various types of waste such as bilge water, sewage, garbage, and cargo residues that ships accumulate during their operations. The disposal process is governed by strict international regulations to prevent marine pollution and protect the marine environment. Additionally, the term covers the disposal of ships at the end of their operational life, a process known as shipbreaking or ship recycling, which is carried out in specialized facilities.

Application Areas

Disposal practices in the maritime sector are crucial in several key areas:

• Waste Management on Board: Proper treatment, storage, and disposal of ship-generated waste according to international standards such as those set by the MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships).
• Ship Recycling: Environmentally responsible dismantling and recycling of ships, ensuring that materials such as steel, electronics, and other components are recycled or disposed of in a manner that minimizes environmental impact.
• Hazardous Materials Handling: Safe disposal of hazardous materials including asbestos, lead-based paints, and hydrocarbons which are often present in older ships.

Well-Known Examples

One well-known aspect of maritime disposal is the shipbreaking yards in places like Alang, India; Chittagong, Bangladesh; and Gadani, Pakistan, where a significant percentage of the world’s ships are dismantled. These sites are critical for recycling valuable materials but are also scrutinized for their environmental and labor practices.

Treatment and Risks

The treatment of waste and the disposal of ships carry significant environmental and human health risks. Improper disposal practices can lead to severe pollution incidents, affecting marine and coastal ecosystems. The dismantling of ships, if not handled correctly, can expose workers to toxic substances and lead to accidents.

Efforts to mitigate these risks include:

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to international laws and guidelines to manage and reduce the environmental impacts of disposal operations.
• Advancements in Waste Processing Technology: Development and implementation of more effective waste treatment systems on board ships.
• Enhanced Safety and Environmental Standards in Shipbreaking: Implementing stricter safety protocols and environmental controls in shipbreaking yards.

Weblinks

• industrie-lexikon.de: 'Entsorgung' in the industrie-lexikon.de (German)
• umweltdatenbank.de: 'Entsorgung' im Lexikon der umweltdatenbank.de (German)
• environment-database.eu: 'Disposal' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Summary

Disposal in the maritime context is a complex field that addresses the management of ship-generated waste and the environmentally sound recycling of ships. Ensuring effective disposal practices is critical for protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainability in the maritime industry.

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