Review of waste handling plans in insular ports: Lessons from Las Palmas Port

Abstract

This paper examines the consequences of Directive (EU) 2019/883 implementation by assessing the performance of the sewage treatment plan (Annex IV of MARPOL) in Las Palmas Port from the social interest perspective. So, the accomplishment of the Cost Recovery System in Las Palmas is assessed by considering the effectiveness of the current protocol for the reception and treatment of Annex IV waste from the point of view of the on-shore side social benefits. This involves review of the mandatory fees for landing this waste in port, the cost of the sewage treatment, the environmental impact of the treated effluent from the vessels (environmental costs) and addressing technical difficulties in order to meet the normative standard required from the vessels’ sewage in the framework of Las Palmas Port. Next, alternative waste treatment plans are discussed through a performance’s comparison in terms of social benefits.