Following the successf of our MARPOL training course in Antwerp in May 2026, we held the new edition of our training programme on 20 October 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.
Delivered by Peter Van Den Dries, MARPOL expert, the one-day course provided participants with practical insights into the implementation of the MARPOL Convention, with a particular focus on ship-generated waste management and Port Reception Facilities (PRFs).
Building knowledge and sharing industry experience
Through this training, we aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of MARPOL requirements and their practical application in the maritime sector. The course also provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges and share good practices relating to ship waste management.
The discussions benefited from the diversity of perspectives represented, bringing together professionals from Africa, the Americas and Europe, including representatives of port authorities. This international participation helped foster exchanges on the challenges and practices shaping ship waste management across different regions.
Following our first edition in Antwerp, this second session marks another step in our efforts to develop our training activities and support knowledge-sharing within the sector.
Bringing the wider ship waste management community together
While our first edition was primarily aimed at MCA members, we opened the Barcelona session to non-members, reflecting our ambition to connect a broader community of professionals involved in or connected to ship waste management.
By bringing together participants from different geographical backgrounds and professional environments, including Port Reception Facilities, port authorities and other stakeholders across the maritime industry, we aim to encourage dialogue and strengthen collaboration throughout the ship waste management chain.
Making our training activities accessible to a wider audience is an important step towards fostering a shared understanding of the MARPOL framework and its practical implementation, while encouraging the exchange of knowledge and experience between the different stakeholders involved in managing ship-generated waste.
Looking ahead
We intend to continue developing our MARPOL training programme, with the aim of organising two sessions per year. While we believe that in-person training is particularly valuable for encouraging direct exchanges and networking in small groups, we are also exploring the possibility of offering online sessions to reach a wider audience.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Peter Van Den Dries for sharing his knowledge and expertise, to Tradebe Environmental Services for supporting the training course, and to all participants for their active engagement and contributions.
For further information about our training activities, please contact Sophie Delair, Secretary General of Marine Care Association, at sophie.delair@marinecareassociation.com.
