Closure of Ports in Monaco Due to a Large Layer of Macro-Waste

The Department of Maritime Affairs (DAM) was alerted early this morning by a professional fisherman of Monaco of the widespread presence of macro-waste (tree trunks) in the Portier area.

The DAM's anti-pollution vessel, the Vitamar, went to the site to assess the implications of this information and, if necessary, collect this waste from the sea.

Given the presence of a layer of macro-waste measuring 300 m long and 30 m wide, the DAM relayed this information to the Mediterranean CROSS (regional operational centre for surveillance and rescue) and decided to close the ports in Monaco to avoid any damage to ships.

With the help of the Monaco Fire and Emergency Service, the Maritime Police, the ports operating company (Société d'exploitation des ports) (SEPM) and the DAM, anti-pollution barriers were quickly installed to protect the ports of Hercule and Fontvieille.

A warning was given to sailors of the risk to navigation from the presence of tree trunks emerging from the water and informing them of the closure of the ports.  An emergency procedure was planned in case a situation arose in which it was absolutely essential for a ship to enter or leave the ports.

Furthermore, operations were launched to collect the macro-waste that had entered the ports before the installation of the barriers.