Cleaning licence for a cleaning ship

Do you clean vessels with a cleaning ship? For instance, you clean a ship that contains or has contained dangerous or hazardous substances. In the Netherlands, you may need a cleaning licence from the municipal authority. Information about the cleaning licence can be found in your municipal authority's Port rules and regulations (Havenverordening) or you can contact the municipality.

Cleaning permit rules

To obtain a cleaning licence you must comply with the rules your municipality has drawn up. For example:

• there is someone aboard with knowledge on (hazardous) waste
• you comply with the rules on port order and safety
• you comply with the rules on the destination of the waste material
• you protect the environment
• your ship is suitable for the purpose

Environment and planning permit

Are you going to clean a tank container or bulk carrier that was used to transport hazardous substances (in Dutch)? This may cause harm to the environment. You need an environment and planning permit. You can apply for this permit in the Environment and Planning Portal (in Dutch, Omgevingsloket).