The Polish Sejm referred a draft amendment to the Act on Preventing Marine Pollution by Ships to committee for review on Friday.
Bill Referred to Maritime Economy and Inland Shipping Committee
The Sejm forwarded the draft amendment to the Act on Preventing Marine Pollution by Ships, along with related legislation, to the Maritime Economy and Inland Shipping Committee for consideration.
Previously, the committee had recommended the complete rejection of the bill. The rejection was supported by 198 votes, opposed by 241, with no abstentions.
New Regulations for Ship Operators
The proposed changes, prepared by the Ministry of Infrastructure, would obligate ship owners to gradually reduce pollution and monitor the use of renewable and low-emission fuels.
Compliance with these requirements would be overseen by directors of maritime offices, who will verify the documentation of ships calling at national ports.
Financial Penalties and Decarbonization Funds
Violations of the new standards would be subject to financial penalties. Funds generated from these penalties would, according to the draft, support funds for decarbonizing port infrastructure.
Waste Management and Ecological Transformation
The proposed regulations also clarify the rules for waste management on ships, aiming to strengthen the marine environmental protection system. The initiative is presented as a step towards the ecological transformation of shipping and the promotion of modern energy technologies.
