Marine slops: the hidden sustainability challenge

摘要

While the issue of sustainability is often highlighted in the shipping industry, one area often neglected is the environmentally sound disposal of slops. However, with current low crude prices and lack of in-port infrastructure, the sustainable disposal of slops is proving to be increasingly challenging with significant environmental implications. Slops, (a mixture of water, hydrocarbons, sediments and various pollutants), are generated when a vessel runs its engine. Over 98m tonnes of slops are produced every year by the commercial fleet, which need to be disposed of in line with strict IMO and EU regulations.