Ships commonly utilise seawater as ballast to maintain stability during voyages. Under normal circumstances, this seawater, after fulfilling its purpose, can be safely released back into the ocean when the crew decides to adjust the ship's buoyancy.
However, challenges arise when the seawater becomes contaminated with commercial waste oil. In such cases, the water is no longer suitable for discharge into the sea due to environmental regulations and the potential for severe ecological harm.
The ship's crew must then enlist the services of a commercial waste oil disposal company to handle and properly dispose of the contaminated seawater.
Proper Disposal of Commercial Waste Oil
Effective management and disposal of commercial waste oil are critical to preventing environmental contamination. When a company encounters liquid waste contaminated with commercial waste oil, it is imperative that this waste is managed with the utmost care to avoid polluting the natural environment.
To ensure proper disposal, the contaminated waste must be collected by professionally trained personnel who specialise in hazardous waste management. Andersons Waste Management are fully equipped to safely remove the waste and thoroughly clean the surrounding area, mitigating any risk of residual contamination.
The waste oil we collect will be transported to our certified waste treatment facility, where advanced treatment processes are employed to remove all toxins and hazardous substances. This ensures that the treated water or residuals do not pose any threat to the watercourse or the wider environment.
Transportation of commercial waste oil to the treatment facility is carried out using our fleet of specialised tankers. Our tankers are designed to safely and securely transport hazardous materials, ensuring that no spillage or leakage occurs during transit.
By adhering to these procedures, companies can ensure that they are compliant with environmental regulations and contribute to the protection of natural ecosystems.
Case Study: Osprey Shipping – Waste Oil & Sea Water Disposal
Background – Ballast Contamination
Osprey Shipping, a prominent maritime logistics company based in the Bristol Dock Yard, faced an unexpected challenge when a hydraulic pipe within one of their ship’s hulls ruptured. The hull, filled with seawater to manage the vessel's ballast, was now contaminated with hydraulic oil due to the leak. This contamination rendered the seawater unsuitable for discharge back into the sea, posing a significant environmental threat to marine life.
Emergency Response – Emergency Drainage
Upon receiving an urgent call from Osprey Shipping, Andersons Waste Management promptly responded. Understanding the critical nature of the situation, our team mobilised quickly, arriving onsite within two hours with an emergency tanker and a specialised team of operatives to manage the cleanup.
Onsite Operations – Contaminated Seawater Drainage
Upon arrival, our team was briefed on the specific health and safety requirements by Osprey Shipping personnel. Ensuring compliance with these guidelines, our operatives donned appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including life jackets, before boarding the barge.
The team then proceeded to pump out 78 tonnes of seawater contaminated with oil from the hull. The contaminated water was securely transferred into our tankers for safe transport. Following the removal of the waste, the affected area was thoroughly cleaned using a high-powered jet to eliminate any residual contaminants, ensuring that the site was left in a safe and environmentally sound condition.
Waste Disposal and Compliance
The collected waste oil and contaminated water were transported to an authorised oil recovery disposal facility, where it was processed in accordance with environmental regulations. Although we operate our own waste treatment plant in Avonmouth, we do not process commercial waste oils onsite. However, as part of our comprehensive service, we ensure that all waste is delivered to the appropriate facilities for proper treatment.
To guarantee full compliance and provide our clients with peace of mind, we issued Waste Transfer Notices to Osprey Shipping, documenting the safe and lawful disposal of the contaminated material.
Strategic Advantage and Service Commitment
With our headquarters in Avonmouth, Andersons Waste Management is strategically positioned to respond swiftly to liquid waste emergencies at Bristol Port, Bristol Marina, and other nearby maritime facilities, including those in Newport and Cardiff.
Our 24/7 operations allow us to provide immediate assistance, ensuring that our clients receive prompt support even outside of regular working hours.
While our waste treatment plant can handle various types of liquid waste, our commitment to environmental responsibility extends to managing waste that we cannot process ourselves. By partnering with specialised disposal facilities, we ensure that all waste is managed in a manner that meets the highest standards of safety and environmental care.
In Summary
The successful resolution of the emergency at Osprey Shipping underscores Andersons Waste Management's dedication to rapid response, stringent compliance, and environmental stewardship. Our ability to act swiftly and effectively in critical situations highlights our role as a trusted partner for waste management in the maritime industry.
