Jamaica leads way in sustainable port waste management

JAMAICA IS spearheading the charge in sustainable maritime operations as the only lead partner country in the English-speaking Caribbean under the GloLitter Partnerships Project. Through its port of Kingston, Jamaica has developed a draft Port Waste Management Plan (PWMP) to protect marine environments from ship-generated pollution, setting a regional example for environmentally responsible port operations. This milestone was achieved during a workshop hosted in Kingston (December 9-10), alongside Brazil’s complementary efforts at the Port of Maceió.

Port waste management plans provide detailed guidelines for handling waste from ships and port operations in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. These plans ensure compliance with global regulations under Annex V of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

These initiatives are part of the GloLitter Partnerships Project, which seeks to reduce marine litter, particularly plastic waste, from maritime transport and fishing activities. Jamaica and Brazil, as lead partner countries in the project, are now set to finalise their draft plans, which will be submitted to the relevant national authorities for adoption. Once completed, these plans will serve as a template for other nations to follow, strengthening regional and global efforts against marine pollution.

Participants in the workshops also explored strategies for managing plastic waste, including debris from fishing vessels.

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) brought together stakeholders to increase awareness on the significance of its port state control (PSC) activities to ensure safe, secure and environmentally sound shipping. Seventeen participants were trained on the requirements for port state control under the MARPOL Convention to which Jamaica is a state party.

A key output of the workshop was the development of a draft Port Waste Management Plan for the port of Kingston which will be finalised in consultation with the relevant national stakeholders.

These sessions addressed critical topics such as monitoring and enforcement of regulations to tackle plastic waste. Best practices in ship waste management and port reception facilities were also highlighted. A virtual demonstration in Jamaica showcased practical applications of port state control, while a live demonstration in Maceió provided hands-on insights into port inspection procedures.

“As a lead partnering country in the GloLitter Partnerships Project and a member of the IMO Council, hosting the PWMP Workshop and PSC Training demonstrates Jamaica’s commitment to the IMO’s environmental protection mandate and the MAJ’s goal of increasing awareness among stakeholders on the significance of the MAJ’s port state control activities and the obligations under the international treaties to which Jamaica is a party, said MAJ Director General Bertrand Smith.

The GloLitter Partnerships Project, funded by the government of Norway with co-financing from the Australian Maritime and Safety Authority and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is implemented under the IMO’s OceanLitter Programme in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Jamaica’s leadership in developing and implementing sustainable port waste management plans underscores its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing global efforts to reduce maritime pollution. By working alongside Brazil and sharing best practices, Jamaica is helping to set new standards for environmentally responsible port operations worldwide.