Could you explain the role of Green Ports in waste management in inland waterway transport?

Georgios Moustakas: Green Ports Hamburg plays a central role in waste management and environmental services for inland shipping and related industries. With our facilities and processes, we ensure the environmentally sound treatment of oil-containing residues, in particular Marpol waste, directly in the Port of Hamburg. Through all these activities, we support the Elbe port and contribute to society by helping to keep the Elbe clean. We see our services as a green task.

What specific services do you offer for waste disposal on inland waterway vessels?

Moustakas: Our services include the collection, transport, and treatment of Marpol waste, wastewater treatment, and tank cleaning. We are also called in for acute emergency operations.

What technical solutions do you use to efficiently collect, separate, and dispose of shipboard waste?

Moustakas: We use physical-chemical and biological treatment technologies. Our plant is designed for high throughput and enables efficient separation and recovery of liquid waste – with a capacity of 120,000 m³ per year and an excellent recycling rate of almost 90%.

Do you operate special port facilities or mobile units to support inland waterway transport?

Moustakas: Green Ports Hamburg operates a specialized treatment plant in the heart of the Port of Hamburg, and we also use mobile units in the form of ships and trucks for flexible on-site support.

How do you support shipowners or operators in complying with waste disposal regulations?

Moustakas: We offer them a comprehensive on-site service package with high-quality, fast services in their day-to-day business and support them in complying with regulations through regulatory advice and complete waste disposal documentation.

 

In your opinion, what are the biggest regulatory challenges in general waste management in inland waterway transport?

Moustakas: With regard to inland waterway transport, the biggest challenge at present is to focus on sustainability and invest in future-proof solutions that meet both the requirements of the industry and the environment.

 

How well are EU directives or national regulations implemented in practice?

Moustakas: In my view, implementation in Germany is solid. The system works consistently and is closely aligned with EU directives from Brussels.

 

Do you consider additional regulatory measures or stricter requirements to be necessary necessary to promote sustainable transport practices in Germany?

Moustakas: At Green Ports Hamburg, we believe that the current regulations are sufficient and are being implemented with appropriate control mechanisms. The real challenge lies in adapting to new technologies—especially new drive and energy systems. We expect new regulations as soon as new forms of energy are introduced. In our experience, we should focus on consistently implementing future regulations and supporting practical solutions on the ground. Sustainability is a common goal and requires the cooperation of all stakeholders: the EU, member states, ports, authorities, environmental companies, and customers.

 

Do you use digital tools or platforms to plan and document your waste disposal processes?

Moustakas: We use digital tools to plan, track, and document our waste disposal processes. These are fully compliant with the German Waste Documentation Ordinance (NachwV). The German Waste Recovery and Disposal Ordinance is an implementing regulation for the Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act (KrWG), which regulates the documentation of waste management and is monitored by the competent authorities. This enables legally compliant traceability and real-time monitoring of waste quantities and flows. New digital technologies are also part of our investment plans to meet future requirements.

 

What role do technologies such as AI or IoT play in the further development of your services?

Moustakas: We are actively examining how artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) can improve our services. This assessment is being carried out in close consultation with our parent company, the Hellenic Environmental Center Group in Greece. The focus is on identifying where these technologies create added value and how they can be meaningfully integrated into our processes. This is an ongoing process of evaluation and adaptation.

How aware are your customers of the importance of waste management in inland waterway transport?

Moustakas: Our customers are our most important partners. We work closely with them and keep them regularly informed about new regulations.

and legal obligations in the waste sector. Awareness is a key concept—and our customers greatly appreciate the information we provide.

Are you seeing an increase in demand for sustainable waste disposal solutions

– especially from operators of inland waterway vessels?

Moustakas: Yes, demand is increasing – driven both by growing environmental awareness and regulatory pressure. Although the Port of Hamburg has a timetable for achieving its goals by 2045, geopolitical developments could lead to delays. We expect these timetables to be adjusted before new regulations come into force.

Can you name a specific project or partnership that you consider a success story?

Moustakas: One major success is our long-standing collaboration with the Bilge Water Management Association (BEV). We serve all inland waterway vessels both through our local station and with mobile units such as barges and trucks. This allows us to respond flexibly to the needs of inland waterway transport and actively support the sector with disposal services.

Do you collaborate with authorities, research institutions, or other maritime service providers?

Moustakas: Yes. We cooperate with various authorities, universities, and maritime partners. This naturally includes joint research projects on water quality and, of course, the training of skilled workers throughout the maritime sector.

What trends do you see in waste management in inland waterway transport in the coming years?

Moustakas: We expect new environmentally friendly propulsion systems, advancing digitalization, and in this context, significantly more mobile technical solutions and stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations.

What role will Green Ports play in this—for example, in the development of new standards or services?

Moustakas: As the largest company with its own storage and treatment facility in the Port of Hamburg, Green Ports will take on a leading role—with investments in new technologies, including the development of new standards, mobile treatment units, and digital tools for modern waste management.

What trends do you see in waste management in inland waterway transport in the coming years?

Moustakas: We expect new environmentally friendly propulsion systems, advancing digitalization, and in this context, significantly more mobile technical solutions and stricter enforcement of existing environmental regulations.

What role will Green Ports play in this—for example, in the development of new standards or services?

Moustakas: As the largest company with its own storage and treatment facility in the Port of Hamburg, Green Ports will take on a leading role—with investments in new technologies, including the development of new standards, mobile treatment units, and digital tools for modern waste management.