Radioactive, chemical, and other harmful waste poses a huge threat to healthy seas. Hazardous materials can end up in the ocean by accident or design.
A nuclear disaster would be catastrophic for coastal communities, while any radiation escaping from a ship transporting spent nuclear waste, could also pose a threat. At the same time, historical munitions dumps could lead to chemical leaks or cause explosions.

The accidental release of nuclear waste into the sea could be catastrophic.
Therefore, KIMO members urge all relevant national and international authorities to maintain the strictest standards to protect against these threats.
Nuclear Emissions and Transportation
With the number of vessels transporting spent nuclear waste by sea increasing, it is essential that strict safety protections are maintained. Governments must keep the risk of radioactive emissions into the sea to an absolute minimum.
KIMO members call on European governments to contain and concentrate nuclear waste rather than diluting and dispersing waste in foreign locations. Learn more.
Dumping at sea
After World War II a number of countries dumped 300,000 tonnes of chemical and conventional munitions into the ocean. As a result, these weapons dumps continue to pose a threat, as corrosion over time may allow chemical agents to leak out or to cause explosions.
KIMO members call on national governments and international observers to continue to monitor current munitions dumps. They must also work to prevent any future dumping at sea. Learn more.