Maritime Waste Removal & Management

Liquid Waste Collection and Water Delivery for Vessels

Universal Tankers provides maritime waste removal and water delivery for commercial shipping, ship managers, and husbandry agents. Our tankers collect black and grey water directly from vessel holding tanks and transport it to licensed facilities for disposal, keeping your vessel compliant with MARPOL requirements.

Contact us today on 0800 180 4474 (England) or 01236 434422 (Scotland) to discover how we can support your business or to receive a free quote from our expert team

Why Choose Universal Tankers for Maritime Waste Management?

Universal Tankers stands out in the maritime waste management industry due to our commitment to excellence, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Our adherence to the highest safety standards guarantees that your operations remain compliant with MARPOL rules and other standards for maritime organisations.

Our waste removal, collection, transportation, and disposal services are all conducted with minimal disruption to your operations. Our offering is flexible, which means that whether you want a regularly scheduled service, or have a one-off or emergency waste removal issue, Universal Tankers can help. We understand the unique challenges faced by maritime businesses and offer flexible scheduling to suit your operational demands. By choosing Universal Tankers, you benefit from our dedication to quality, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

Call us free on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland

What is Maritime Waste Management?

Maritime waste management involves the systematic collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste generated by ships and other marine vessels. This includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste, such as oil, bilge water, sewage, and other pollutants. Regular and proper disposal of waste water helps in maintaining the integrity of your ship's internal systems and hull. Accumulation of waste and improper handling can lead to corrosion and damage to the vessel's structure, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential downtime for repairs​.

We offer bespoke solutions to address the specific waste management challenges faced by your business, and help you to minimise your environmental footprint along the way.

Bilge Water Removal & Disposal

Bilge water is a mixture of water, oil, fuel, lubricants and other contaminants that collects in the lowest compartments of a vessel from engine leaks, condensation and routine maintenance. It is classed as oily waste, so discharging it improperly can damage marine ecosystems and lead to significant legal and financial penalties. Allowing it to build up can also cause corrosion and compromise vessel safety.

On request, our vacuum tankers collect bilge water directly from vessels while berthed and transport it to licensed facilities for treatment and disposal, in line with MARPOL Annex I. Contact our team to discuss your vessel’s requirements.

Grey Water Removal and Disposal

Grey water is wastewater from a vessel’s sinks, showers, galleys and laundry facilities. It contains organic matter, detergents, food residue and microorganisms, so if it isn’t properly managed it can cause nutrient pollution, chemical contamination and microbial pollution in marine environments. Failing to meet grey water disposal requirements can also result in legal penalties and reputational damage for vessel operators.

Our vacuum tankers pump grey water directly from vessel holding tanks while berthed and transport it to licensed treatment facilities for safe disposal. This prevents any need to discharge in port and helps your vessel meet local environmental and port authority requirements.

Black Water Removal and Disposal

Black water is wastewater from a vessel’s toilets, urinals and medical facilities. It contains human waste and pathogens, so it poses significant health and environmental risks if not properly managed. Improper disposal can lead to eutrophication, pathogen contamination and oxygen depletion in marine environments, with serious consequences for fleet operators and commercial maritime businesses.

Our vacuum tankers pump black water directly from vessel sewage holding tanks while berthed and transport it to licensed treatment facilities for safe disposal. This keeps your vessel compliant with MARPOL Annex IV requirements and avoids any need to discharge in port.

Water Delivery to Vessels

When a vessel’s onboard water-maker can’t keep up, or a berth has no fresh water connection, a reliable shoreside supply keeps your operations on schedule. Running short of water at berth can delay sailing, disrupt crew welfare and lead to costly downtime for fleet operators and commercial maritime businesses.

Our tankers deliver both wholesome drinking water and non-potable water directly to vessel tanks at the quayside, for crew consumption, galley use, washing and general onboard requirements. Every delivery comes with electronic proof of delivery, giving husbandry agents and ship managers the documentation they need without delay.

Universal Tankers vacuum tanker with hoses attached, parked alongside an offshore vessel in port for maritime waste removal

Drain Jetting of Maritime Waste

Blocked drains, scuppers and pipework on a vessel can quickly lead to backed-up holding tanks, unpleasant odours and disruption to onboard systems. Left untreated, build-ups of grease, scale and debris can cause costly damage and the kind of drainage failures that are far harder to deal with at sea.

Our high-pressure jetting units clear blockages and clean drainage lines and pipework without harsh chemicals, minimising disruption to your operations. Combined with our vacuum tankers, we can jet and pump out in a single visit, leaving your vessel’s drainage and waste systems clear and working efficiently.

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To get a free quote from our experts, contact our team today. Simply call us on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland, or fill out out contact form and we will call you back.

Get in touch

Request a quote or make an enquiry

If you require a quote or have a general enquiry about our services, please complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, call one of our experienced staff on 0800 180 4474 or, from Scotland, 01236 434422.

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20 Depots Nationwide

We're in your area

Our strategically located depots across the UK ensure that no matter where you are, our high-quality water delivery & wastewater services are just a call away. Our teams are equipped and ready to provide swift and efficient service.

Call us free on 0800 180 4474 or 01236 434422 from Scotland