Private Companies Allowed to Install and Operate Pollutant Storage Facilities in Ports

- Revised Enforcement Decree of the Marine Environment Management Act to take effect April 25 (Thursday)

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Minister Kang Do-Hyung) announced that a partially revised Enforcement Decree of the Marine Environment Management Act, which will allow the private sector to install and operate pollutant storage facilities in ports, will take effect on April 25th (Thursday).

 Pollutant storage facilities are facilities that temporarily store and treat wastewater collected from ships and offshore facilities before discharging it into the sea or out of the port. Currently, 13* such facilities are in operation nationwide in line with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the Marine Environment Management Act.

 * Masan Port, Samcheonpo Port, Tongyeong Port, Gunsan Port, Jinhae Port, Gwangyang Port, Wando Port, Sokcho Port, Okgye Port, Pyeongtaek Port, Mokpo Port, Jeju Port, and Seogwipo Port

 The latest amendment to the Enforcement Decree was made in response to the October 2023 amendment to the Marine Environment Management Act, which reflected the need to increase the number of private companies involved in the treatment of wastewater produced by ships and offshore facilities, since they already accounted for 97% of such wastewater treatment activities (as of the end of 2023). Therefore, this amendment will allow private companies to install and operate pollutant storage facilities, which were previously solely installed by the Sea Area Management Authority (outsourced and managed by the Korea Marine Environment Corporation).

 In addition, the revised Enforcement Decree includes specific guidelines and requirements for the private companies in question, including the application process and documentation for installing pollutant storage facilities, operational standards relating to the installation of the facilities and staffing, and the requirement to submit management records to the Korea Coast Guard.