Evaluating ship-generated waste reception facilities in Sri Lankan commercial ports : challenges, capacity, and future perspectives
Date of Award
6-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Oceans Sustainability, Governance & Management
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Sri Lanka
First Advisor
Johan Hollander
Abstract
Ship-generated waste poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, particularly in strategically located countries such as Sri Lanka. Approximately 60000 ships transit Sri Lankan waters annually; however, the underutilization of port waste reception facilities contributes to marine pollution challenges. This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of ship-generated waste reception facilities and their operational capacities in four main commercial ports: Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, and Trincomalee. An eight-year dataset from the Marine Environment Protection Authority, 2017 - 2024, with 11503 data entries used for the data analysis part. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of waste reception volumes with qualitative analysis through a questionnaire method among all MEPA officials involved in this waste reception operation. The results showed a favourably centralised system related to Colombo port, which manages 80% of waste reception services. However, only 33% of arriving ships utilise waste reception facilities in Sri Lankan ports. Statistics demonstrated significant variations in the volumes of most of the 18 waste types under the MARPOL annexes I, IV, and V, across the four ports. Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure facilities for hazardous waste management, high treatment costs, and high transport costs to centralised facilities were identified as three critical challenges in the ship-generated waste management operation. Certain waste types, such as fluorescent bulbs, are identified as problematic due to the lack of proper disposal mechanisms, which creates a compliance gap. Based on the findings low utilisation rate and infrastructure gap, this study suggests that current waste management practices may contribute to pollution issues. The study recommends establishing port-area waste treatment facilities, expanding the GPS tracking system to all waste categories, strengthening the regulatory framework, and implementing capacity-building programs. These findings fill the existing knowledge gap in this field in Sri Lanka and provide essential baseline data for future infrastructure development projects related to strengthening MARPOL compliance, which aligns shipping practices with ocean health.