Greenland plans ban on scrubber water discharges

Greenland is preparing new rules that will stop ships from releasing scrubber wastewater into its ports and coastal waters. The move could encourage other Arctic countries to take similar action. Environmental groups are also calling for a wider international ban. Splash 247 reports.

The ban will come into force in two stages. Greenland's parliament has unanimously called on the government to introduce the new restrictions. From July 1, 2027, ships will no longer be allowed to release wastewater from open-loop scrubbers. Two years later, on July 1, 2029, the rules will also apply to closed-loop and hybrid systems. Ships operating in Greenlandic waters will have to use compliant fuels or keep the wastewater onboard.

Environmental groups now want Iceland, Norway and Canada to follow Greenland's example. The Clean Arctic Alliance is also pushing for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to introduce a global ban, starting with the Arctic region.

Greenland is going further than the 2025 OSPAR agreement. That agreement requires restrictions on scrubber discharges in ports and internal waters but only recommends extending them to territorial waters. Other countries have already taken steps in this direction. Denmark banned open-loop discharges in July 2025, while Sweden and Finland have introduced similar measures.

 

Picture: Maritime Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo