The project "Atlantic Blue Ports",  selected in May 2017 by the Atlantic area Interreg program, has for main objective to improve port based services for the discharge and treatment of ships effluents.

The project gathers 28 partners and associated partners, representing ports, PRF operators, public authorities, companies and universities from the whole Atlantic area. Their common goal is to motivate maritime communities to stop discharge at sea by designing attractive port services.

Oiled effluents

The European PRF directive, within the Water Framework Directive, obliges ports to provide facilities for reception of ships waste and effluents and ships to discharge their effluents and waste in ports. The regulation does exist and ports do provide facilities for waster and effluents.

However, all is about cost efficiency. Discharge at sea is still attractive when the services are "inadequate": too expensive,

The project will analyse current critics and work with concerned parties to reach consensus on "adequate" Port Reception Facilities. Enhanced services will be developed and tested, in real conditions.

As for Ballast Water, the studies and tests will cover technical, economic, operational, environmental and regulatory facets of current PRF services offers.

Ballast Water

The entry into force of the IMO Ballast Water convention is a new challenge for shipping companies, ports and public authorities.

Installing treatment on board has an economic impact. What happens when embarked systems fail? Are ships owner the only one concerned? Can't we imagine new port services for BW?

Through the project, the stakeholders of the Atlantic area will lead a joint analysis of most relevant solutions. The ports will have the opportunity to test in real conditions Damen's IMO certified InvaSave ballast water management treatment system, the 1st on the market today.

All will benefit from trans-regional cooperation, with North Europe where the ports of Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Dunkirk, Vlissingen, Den Helder, Stellendam and Harlingen will also be equipped.