UAE: circular on discharging of gray water from cruise ships

The UAE Federal Maritime Administration (FMA) represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has issued a circular regarding the discharging of gray water from cruise ships in the UAE waters.

This circular was published on March 2nd, 2023, and is addressed to environmental authorities, port authorities, harbormasters, cruise ship owners and managers, cruise ship masters, and ship agents.

The discharge of gray water (the water from the sinks, washing machines, bathtubs, and dishwashers and does not include sewage) into internal waters of the state and ports, marinas, canyons, straits, water channels, and natural or artificial bays in them is prohibited.

A cruise ship (ship certified to carry more than 100 persons and equipped with overnight accommodations) must discharge treated greywater while sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots and at least 4 nautical miles from the nearest coast, populated area, water development facility, or marine reserve in UAE waters.

In case of discharge of untreated greywater into the UAE marine environment, the cruise ship must discharge the untreated greywater while sailing at a speed of at least 6 knots and at a distance of at least 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, populated area, aquaculture development facility or marine reserve in the waters of the UAE.

Discharged gray water must not create visible traces or streaks of shine on the seawater surface.

Also, the competent local authorities in each emirate will provide the necessary reception facilities in ports and marinas for the reception of gray water from cruise ships.