Wastewater

To improve understanding of how wastewater from vessels is managed in Arctic waters, AECO participated in a project initiated by the Arctic Council’s Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME). The project, titled Wastewater Discharges from Vessels in the Arctic – A Survey of Current Practices, was included in the PAME Work Plan 2021–2023 and focused on selected wastewater streams relevant to vessel operations.​

The project was led by Iceland, WWF, and the Circumpolar Conservation Union (CCU), with support from Arctic states and observers, including the United States, and China. Financial support was provided by the Environment Agency of Iceland and WWF, and the research was conducted by Environics Research, an independent research consulting firm based in Canada.​

The survey examined how different vessel operators manage scrubber wash water, greywater,and sewage in Arctic waters, and gathered insights into current practices, operational challenges,and perceived barriers. ​

The findings contribute to a shared understanding of operational realities and inform ongoing dialogue within the Arctic Council, as well as discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Through participation in this PAME‑led initiative, AECO supports science‑based management and policy discussions related to wastewater handling in Arctic shipping. This work complements AECO’s broader environmental efforts and contributes to improved knowledge that can inform future approaches to reducing environmental risks from vessel‑based wastewater discharges in the Arctic.​