Environmental protection
Grey water, black water, oily bilge water and sludge
Discharging to the sea at the port area is strictly prohibited.
Solid waste
Nothing to be thrown overboard.
Ballast water
Discharge of ballast water is allowed only if the ship has an approved Ballast Water Treatment System. Otherwise, based on the national legislation, discharge of ballast water is not allowed in the port area and in Finnish waters or in Finland’s exclusive economic zone.
Noise
The noise produced by the vessel or operation of the vessel should be under 55 dB during the daytime (0700 – 2200) and during the night (2200 – 0700) under 50 dB measured at the nearest residential area.
To keep the noise level down in the port area, the Port of Helsinki recommends adherence to the following rules regarding noise:
Avoid unnecessary noise during the night while berthed
While berthed, passenger announcements may be made only to the interior of the vessel.
A ship’s whistle may only be used for giving necessary safety signals.
Intense noise caused by repair or another reason is prohibited. If such operation is necessary, the dock master must be given a notice in advance.
Funnel smoke
Soot blowing and excessive funnel smoking is prohibited in the harbour area.
Painting
The painting of external surfaces with rollers and brushes is allowed, but spray painting is prohibited.
Washing
If the vessel’s external surfaces are washed while in port, a minimum of detergents with biological tensides and citrates as cleaning agents are allowed. No detergents containing phosphates and hydrocarbon solvents are allowed. Port of Helsinki recommends eco-labelled products.
Shipboard incineration
Shipboard incineration of ship-generated waste products is prohibited in the port area.
Air pollutation
With effect from 1 January 2015, the sulphur content of marine fuels used by the ships at berth must not exceed 0.1% mass in the Baltic Sea.
Sandblasting
Minor sandblasting is allowed in the port area. Sandblasting sand and waste must be collected and must not to be discharged into the sea. Always contact port authorities before operation.