Finland's ban on cargo ships dumping wastewater into coastal waters goes into effect Tuesday

ISTANBUL

Finland’s ban on cargo ships dumping wastewater into coastal waters will take effect Tuesday, according to public broadcaster YLE.

Beginning Tuesday, cargo ships will be prohibited from discharging toilet wastewater, sulfuric wash water, and scrubber sludge into Finnish coastal waters.

Approved by the Finnish Parliament in Dec. 2024, the amendment makes Finland the first country to enforce such broad wastewater rules, while passenger ships have faced similar restrictions for years.

The law incorporates extended transition periods, permitting the discharge of greywater from sinks and showers into Finnish coastal waters for nearly five additional years.

Wastewater dumping will also remain permitted beyond Finland’s territorial waters.