ZeroDischarge​

Discharge-free shipping in the Baltic Sea​​​​​​

Core Focus


ZeroDischarge develops an implementation-ready roadmap towards discharge-free shipping in the Baltic Sea, co-designed with the maritime logistics chain. Combining baseline analysis, thematic workshops and validation, the project identifies regulatory, operational, economic and behavioural measures to cut ship-generated discharges. ​​​​​​​

Challenge


Despite the Baltic being a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, ships may still legally discharge waste and wastewater streams that carry nutrients, microplastics and harmful substances driving eutrophication. Existing initiatives tackle single waste streams, port reception capacity is uneven, incentives for onshore discharge are limited, and coordination across ports, shipping, cargo owners and waste operators is fragmented.​​​​​​

Key Activities

  • Map stakeholders and build a baseline using HELCOM data.​
  • Co-create transition measures across ports, policy, incentives and operations.​
  • Assess actions for environmental impact and feasibility.​
  • Validate and prioritise the draft Transition Agenda with stakeholders.​
  • Prepare policy recommendations and secure letters of commitment.​

Communities Engaged

  • Ports​
  • Vessel operators​
  • Waterfront cities & regional authorities​
  • Conservation & environmental protection​
  • Local finance & impact investors​

Project info

  • Funding instrument: Transition Agendas​

  • Lead partner: John Nurminen Foundation (Finland)

  • Consortium members: N/A

  • Project Budget: €60.000,00

  • Country of implementation: Baltic Sea; Finland

  • Project duration: Up to 18 months