A fundamental change in the SPE-CDNI electronic payment system is upcoming. From 1 August 2023, data relevant for the disposal fee (CDNI Part A waste) will no longer be transmitted via terminal and ECO-Card, but via an app.

The cause for the changeover is the termination of the contract by the provider “equensWorldline”. The decision in the Conference of the Parties to an app/web solution was made despite indications from the sector that not every ship has nowadays a smartphone, whether in the form of a business smartphone for the on-board personnel or a dedicated “ship-related” smartphone. This was also due to the fact that an alternative to the current system had to be found within an extremely short period of time (also the tender procedure with commissioning) and it was assumed that an app/web solution would be very well received by the users of the system. Anyway, there was no one among the applicants who offered an alternative to a web-based solution.

The CDNI bodies regularly receive an overview of the status of the ongoing work from the Secretariat, as the system is currently still under development. The sector representatives have been informed that there will be a transitional period during which a so-called analogue identifier (printed QR code) will be accepted and that offline solutions are also foreseen. The device does not necessarily have to be a smartphone, but can also be a tablet or laptop, for example.

According to the CDNI Secretariat, the new system aims to be more cost-effective, reliable, and simple and intends to minimise the need for physical infrastructure. Ultimately, it is an important step towards digitalisation.

The national institutions will keep the users of the system up to date and indicate when and how the data must be incorporated into the new system.

Consequently, the wording/regulations of the CDNI Convention will also have to be amended in due time. In addition to processing the payment fee, the app is intended to be used for recording the waste quantity and type from 1 April 2024. This meets the demand of the inland navigation sector for more data collection as well. The module can be regarded as a kind of “forerunner” to the digital oil log book, which is also expected to be available in a few years.

 

By Elena Siebrecht
Secretary Committee Safety and Environment