As of December 2021, there are 230 ports in Estonia, out of which:
- 47 ports provide port services regardless of the size of the watercraft
- 76 ports provide port services only for watercrafts with a total length of less than 24 metres (small port).
More specific requirements for the content of a port pollution control plan and the pollution control equipment can be found in the Regulation of the Government of the Republic, and the pollution control plan is submitted to the Ministry of the Environment every five years.
A port waste management plan may be prepared regionally with the participation of all ports, but provided that the need for port reception facilities and their existence are specified separately in the plan for each port.
A port waste management plan is submitted to the Environmental Board for approval pursuant to the Ports Act:
- before the registration of the port in the port register;
- before the implementation of the existing port waste management plan;
- at least every five years;
- after significant changes in the operation of the port.
The port waste management plan is sent to the Environmental Board through the State Port Register.
Processing
- The Environmental Board checks the data submitted in the waste management plan pursuant to § 26 (4) of the Ports Act within 30 days.
- In case of deficiencies, the Environmental Board submits to the port authority the circumstances that need clarification and gives a new deadline for submission of improvements.
- The Environmental Board submits its opinion of the port waste management plan, which is in compliance with the requirements, by means of an official letter.
See also
A port waste management plan must include the following points:
- A needs-based assessment of port reception facilities, taking into account the needs of ships visiting the port
- A description of the type and capacity of the port reception facilities
- A description of the procedures for the reception and collection of waste from ships and cargo waste
- A description of the pre-treatment equipment and processes, if necessary
- A description of the system of the charges for the collection of waste from ships and cargo waste
- The procedure for reporting deficiencies in the port reception facilities
- The arrangements for exchange of information between a port authority, users of the port structures, waste handlers and other persons related to waste management at the port
- The types and quantities of received and handled waste from ships
- A description of the methods for determination of the quantities of received waste from ships and cargo waste
- References to the legislation which regulates delivery of waste from ships and a summary of the procedures for delivery of waste from ships
- The contact details of the person or persons responsible for the implementation of the plan
- A description of the methods which demonstrate the actual use of port reception facilities
- A description of further processing of waste from ships and cargo waste
- A consignee of waste must hold an appropriate environmental protection permit pursuant to the Waste Act. A port authority may enter into an agreement with a respective service provider.
- A consignee of waste from ships prepares and submits a report on the received waste from ships and cargo waste pursuant to §117 of the Waste Act.
- See the submitted plans for receiving and handling waste from ships and cargo waste in the public document register of the Environmental Board.
When managing ports, take into account the terms and conditions of special use of sea water, read more information on the website of the Ministry of the Environment for the protection of the marine environment.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Annika Pertman
Chief Specialist
- +372 5750 1629
- annika.pertman@keskkonnaamet.ee
Last updated: 01.08.2024
