The objective of the European Community is to increase the protection of the marine environment and to reduce the number of disposals at sea of cargo residues and waste generated by ships sailing in its waters, by improving the availability and the use of port collection facilities. The European Directive 2000/59/EC published at the end of 2000, which embodies the International MARPOL 73/78 Convention, is in keeping with these objectives. The Directive, applicable since 28 December 2002, lays down 5 basic principles:

1. Obligation to discharge waste for all ships in commercial service,
2. Obligation to announce with 24 hours’ notice : the ship must announce to the port authority the nature and quantity of its waste 24 hours before its arrival.
3. Obligation to provide suitable port facilities for the reception of cargo residues and waste generated by ships usually calling at the port.
4. Obligation to supervise and control shipping : The Member States must carry out inspections of up to 25% of shipping, particular attention being given to ships that do not comply with the obligation to announce their arrival. Ships that do not comply can be detained in the port by the “Port State Control”.
5. Fee system : the cost of the reception facilities is covered by a charge to be paid by every ship. All the ships calling at the port pay a significant fixed share of the fee, except in cases of exemption (regular lines / frequent port calls), whether they use the facilities or not.