On 22 September, the Council of the EU formally adopted a new regulation to prevent plastic pellet losses across the supply chain, including specific requirements for maritime transport. Parliament’s second-reading vote is expected in October II, after which the rules enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. Most provisions will apply two years after entry into force, with certain maritime provisions applying after three years.
The regulation requires operators to implement risk-management plans covering secure packaging/handling, staff training, appropriate equipment and clean-up obligations in case of accidental losses. It also introduces obligations for maritime transport—including stowage and cargo-information rules—to reduce the risk of pellet loss at sea. Draft legislative text clarifies that freight containers containing plastic pellets should be stowed under deck wherever reasonably practicable, or inboard in sheltered areas of exposed decks, and secured accordingly.
Relevance for container terminals: pellets are typically moved in sealed freight containers, not handled in bulk by terminals. Nevertheless, terminals have an enabling role in safe stowage (in coordination with carriers) and in spill prevention/containment and clean-up on site if incidents occur, consistent with the regulation’s risk-management and response obligations.
