The Port of Oslo has incorporated an environmental management system since 1997, to implement environmental sustainable principle in port operations. We have been certified according to ISO14001 since 2001, which entails dedicated work to identify and improve potential environmental impacts of port-associated activities. We are continuously working to ensure an environmentally friendly and safe port for our neighbours, customers and employees. We focus our efforts on the following environmental issues:

• Reduce air pollution from berthed ships and shore-based activities
• Maximize efforts to limit noise
• Reduce discharge to water from ships and port activities, and remove polluted sediments from the basin.

AIR POLLUTION CONTROL

IMO MARPOL annex VI and EU Directive 1999/ 32 limits the sulphur content of fuel in the North Sea and EU waters to max 1.5 %, effective from August 2007. New EU and Norwegian proposals suggest even more stringent controls on sulphur emissions from berthed ships (< 0.1 % from 2010). Norway has also introduced fees on NOx emissions. More info from the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. As a secondary recommendation, we advise vessels to use shipboard abatements to reduce emissions. Incinerator operation is not allowed in port.

NOISE CONTROL

In Norway, the Pollution Control Regulation sets minimum requirements for indoor noise levels, to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of exposure to noise. The Port of Oslo must comply with set limits for noise from harbours/industrial areas. The cruise ships visiting Oslo arrive at the heart of the city. To keep the noise in the harbour on a reasonable level, please adhere to the following recommendations:

• Avoid unnecessary noise during night time while berthed.
• Intense noise in the harbour, e.g. caused by repair or service operations must be avoided. If such an operation is necessary, the dock master must be given advance notice.
• While berthed, passenger announcements must be limited to the interior of the vessel.
• A ship’s whistle may only be used for giving safety signals.

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL

Discharge of sewage into Norwegian near-coastal waters within a distance of 300 metres from land is banned, according to the Norwegian Pollution Control Regulation. An absolute ban on discharge of sewage and grey water in the Oslofjord has been discussed among local authorities. The Port of Oslo calls upon visiting ships not to discharge black or grey water, particularly sewage, into the fjord system.

Painting the hull is not allowed alongside in the Port of Oslo, except along the Sørenga-quay. If washing the hull in the harbour, a minimum of detergents with biological tensides and citrates as cleaning agents are allowed. Phosphates should not be used. We recommend eco-labelled products.

Discharge of ballast water in the Oslo Port District must be reported to the Vessel Traffic Service station. Norway has recently ratified the IMO Convention on Ballast Water, under which all ships are required to clean ballast water to a certain standard after 2016.

The Port of Oslo provides waste disposal facilities for ships. The facilities comply with the EU Directive implemented in Norwegian law under the Pollution Control Regulation. Cruise ships are expected to sort their waste. For more detailed information on waste handling, please refer to the leaflet «Ship waste» on our website.