Only nine of about 50 shipping lines have committed to dealing with their waste water in the manner recommended by the WWF by the end of this year.
At least 1.6 billion litres of so-called grey water, used for washing and similar purposes, are produced by passenger vessels in the Baltic each year. Much of the water is discharged untreated into the sea, especially in international waters, where the emissions are permitted.
Toilets are flushed more than 100 million times on ships in the Baltic, and part of the ensuing so-called black water is also discharged untreated into the sea.
Finnish shipping lines, and those sailing to Finland, such as Birka Line, Seawind Line, Silja Line, Tallink, and Viking Line have all committed themselves to disposing of their waste water in the proper manner.
The WWF has appealed to international shipping lines to follow in the footsteps of responsible companies, and for passengers to favour companies that act responsibly.
