MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Toxic waste water from chemical tankers released into the Baltic Sea – E-001265/2025

Question for written answer  E-001265/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE)

Chemical tankers are discarding cancer-causing waste water into the Baltic Sea. When chemical tankers’ tanks are washed at sea, chemicals such as tall oil, styrene and benzene[1] are spilled into the sea.

For instance, the company Borealis Polymer[2] admits to releasing chemicals such as benzene into the Baltic Sea when washing its tanks relatively close to coastal settlements near Porvoo, Finland. Benzene can cause cancer, mutations and is toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish.

Despite the high environmental and health risks, this practice remains legal.

• 1.What action is the Commission taking to ensure that chemical tankers adhere to stricter environmental regulations regarding chemical discharge into the ocean?
• 2.What other measures is the Commission taking to address the issue of chemicals being released into the ocean?

Submitted: 26.3.2025

• [1] https://johnnurmisensaatio.fi/mita-teemme/hankkeet/kemikaalialushanke/.
• [2] https://www.hs.fi/alueet/art-2000011062707.html.