What is the minimum gross tonnage required for foreign vessels within the EEZ to have waste management plans?

The minimum gross tonnage required for foreign vessels operating within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to have waste management plans is 100 gross tonnage. This requirement is in line with international regulations aimed at protecting the marine environment from pollution caused by ships.

Vessels that meet or exceed this tonnage threshold are mandated to develop and implement comprehensive waste management plans that outline how they will handle different types of waste, including garbage, sewage, and hazardous materials. Such plans are critical as they ensure that ships manage their waste in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the EEZ.

The establishment of this minimum tonnage requirement recognizes the increased potential for pollution and waste management challenges that larger vessels present compared to smaller ones. Smaller vessels may not pose the same level of risk due to their limited capacity and operational scale, which is why the threshold is set at 100 gross tonnage. This regulatory approach reflects an effort to balance environmental protection with operational practicality for various vessel sizes.