The government has updated the rules for protecting water areas from pollution.

In particular, the new rules tighten the requirements for the discharge of ship water, waste management and the use of chemicals.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has updated the rules for the protection of inland sea waters and the territorial sea from pollution and littering. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy.

The changes provide for increased control over the discharge of bilge, sewage and ballast water, as well as sediment from ships. Separately, the requirements for the use of chemical and biological substances in the marine environment are clarified, in particular their state registration and compliance with chemical safety standards.

The document also defines the procedure for managing waste accumulated on ships and requirements for environmental impact assessment during the construction and operation of facilities or carrying out work that may negatively affect the marine environment.

In addition, the government clarified the division of responsibilities between the State Environmental Inspectorate, seaport administrations, ship repair yards and other business entities. The terminology of the rules has been harmonized with current legislation.

As noted by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine Iryna Ovcharenko, the update should bring Ukrainian legislation closer to EU requirements and strengthen the protection of marine ecosystems, aquatic bioresources and human safety.

The changes were developed taking into account the provisions of three EU directives: 2008/56/EC on marine strategy, 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and sanctions for relevant violations, and 2019/883 on port reception facilities for the delivery of ship-generated waste.

The decision is also related to the implementation of the Marine Environmental Strategy of Ukraine, which provides for improving the management of marine resources of the Black and Azov Seas and reducing the level of pollution.

Also, the day before, USM wrote that new rules were introduced at Sulina to speed up the passage of ships.