Operational Performance of Shipboard Waste Management Under MARPOL Annex V: A Case Study of a Merchant Container Vessel
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the operational performance of a shipboard waste management system implemented on board a Malta-flagged merchant container vessel in accordance with MARPOL Annex V. The study assesses waste-management performance, compliance with regulatory requirements, and adherence to the zero-discharge policy under routine commercial operating conditions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was designed as an empirical single-vessel case study based on operational waste data and available onboard documentation. The primary observation period covered 12 consecutive months from March 2025 to February 2026 and was complemented by annual waste statistics from 2021–2025. Waste-generation patterns were evaluated using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods, including the Shapiro–Wilk test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and Dunn’s post-hoc test with Bonferroni correction. Findings: Mixed domestic waste, plastic waste, and operational waste constituted the dominant waste streams. Significant differences were identified among MARPOL Annex V waste categories, while monthly variation was relatively limited. Historical data demonstrated a stable waste-generation profile over time, supporting the representativeness of the 12-month observation period. All recorded waste was transferred to authorised port reception facilities, with no evidence of discharge into the marine environment. Practical Implications: Systematic waste segregation, reliable documentation, and consistent implementation of the Garbage Management Plan can support regulatory compliance, waste traceability, and effective shipboard environmental management. Routine operational waste data may also provide useful indicators for monitoring waste-management performance and supporting continuous improvement. Originality/Value: The study provides empirical evidence on shipboard waste management under routine commercial operating conditions using long-term operational data from a merchant container vessel. The integration of a continuous 12-month dataset with historical waste statistics and statistical analysis provides a practical approach for evaluating the performance and consistency of shipboard waste management.