Finland Takes Bold Step to Protect Baltic Sea by Prohibiting Ship Wastewater Releases

As reported by the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG), Finland has made waves in environmental policy by enforcing a ban on sewage and wastewater discharges from cargo ships in its territorial waters, effective today. This makes Finland the first country to introduce such extensive regulations aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. The Finnish Parliament approved this legislation back in December 2024, wich specifically targets wastewater from vessels over 400 gross tons or those carrying more than 15 people.

The implementation of this ban is phased; today’s focus is on preventing sewage and open-loop scrubber discharges. Looking ahead, closed-loop scrubbers will be banned starting January 1, 2029, followed by a prohibition on gray water discharges beginning January 1, 2030. to comply with these new rules, ships must close thier overboard valves before entering Finnish waters and log this action appropriately. Additionally, any grey water delivered to port facilities must also be documented.

Pieta Jarva from BSAG emphasizes that these legislative changes are crucial for safeguarding the fragile ecosystems found in Finland’s coastal areas. Previously, cargo ships faced minimal restrictions—untreated sewage could be dumped as far as 22 kilometers offshore while treated waste was allowed just five kilometers from land. However, even treated effluent can contribute to nutrient pollution that exacerbates eutrophication in the Baltic Sea.

The unique characteristics of the Baltic Sea—its shallow depth and limited water exchange—make it particularly susceptible to pollution. A recent study highlighted by BSAG revealed that shipborne sewage considerably harms this sensitive environment.

Finland’s initiative sets a precedent for neighboring countries; Sweden is set to adopt similar measures today while Denmark is also considering comparable regulations. BSAG advocates for broader protections across the entire Baltic region through collaboration with international bodies like HELCOM and the european Union.

Mirja Ikonen from Traficom pointed out that recent findings regarding deficiencies in cargo ship waste treatment underscore the need for these regulatory changes and will influence future developments within international MARPOL regulations.

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