Environmental Return Management (ERM)

The concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) has risen sharply compared to the last decade, and as concentration rises, so does the Earth’s temperature. In an effort to fight the effects of climate change, Global Treaties, Marine Regulatory bodies and environmental agencies have established standards and laws to treat refrigerant waste in a responsible manner. Non-compliance such as venting of refrigerants will face stiff punishments such as fines or imprisonment. Therefore, it is necessary to have the right experience and knowledge to reclaim and dispose refrigerant waste.

ERM Procedure

Wilhelmsen Ships Service has established such a procedure on a global basis. The Enviro Return Management (ERM) complies with applicable global treaties, and different local regulations. Today, ERM is available in selected ports in Europe, Americas, Asia Pacific, and Middle East.

Please contact your local sales representative for any ERM request.

This procedure ensures compliance to local regulations and off-loading requirements and applies to the following requests:

• Recovery cylinders (either empty or filled with recovered refrigerants).

• Unitor refrigerant cylinders which contains more than 10% of product.

1 Contact WSS sales office and provide them with the refrigerant type and number of cylinders to offload.

2 An ERM form will be sent to the customer which will need to be filled up completely with all cylinder details recorded.

3 Ensure the quantity of cylinders and product weight are accurate.

4 Send over the ERM form once completed. WSS will evaluate if it can be offloaded at the port.

5 The approval process must be completed before offloading can commence.

6 If offloading is not approved, WSS will look for other ports where offloading may be possible.

7 If offloading is approved, a quotation including handling and delivery charges will be sent.

8 Once charges are agreed and a purchase order has been issued, WSS will advise offloading instructions and arrange for pick up.