The Moana Taka Partnership Application Process
The MTP helps alleviate the burden of waste disposal on Pacific Island Countries and Territories by utilising available capacity on Swire Shipping vessels to transport non‑commercial recyclable and hazardous waste to countries with appropriate recycling or treatment facilities. Under the partnership, empty Swire Shipping containers and ocean freight are provided on a pro bono basis, enabling waste streams that are difficult or costly to manage locally such as plastics, used oil, aerosols, and other materials to be recycled or processed safely offshore.
While the Partnership provides significant support, applicants remain responsible for local charges, including waste collection, preparation, packaging, cartage, documentation, permitting, and any regulatory requirements associated with exporting waste. In addition, Swire Shipping does not service all ports across the Pacific. Where the port of load or discharge falls outside the Swire Shipping network, the use of feeder vessels or additional transport arrangements may be required, and any associated costs will be borne by the applicant.
Through this shared‑responsibility model, the Moana Taka Partnership enables practical, compliant waste movements while ensuring that responsibilities are clearly understood by all parties involved. The initiative supports safer waste management outcomes for Pacific communities while making effective use of existing regional shipping capacity.
Please read all of the following sections before proceeding to the next page.
Shipper
The entity responsible for arranging the export of waste under the MTP. This may be a government agency, public authority, utility, or approved organisation and is responsible for preparing the waste for shipment, completing required documentation, and coordinating local logistics.
State of Export
The country or territory from which the waste is exported.
Consignee
The receiving party at the destination who accepts the waste shipment and assumes responsibility for it upon arrival. This is typically a licensed recycling, recovery, or treatment facility.
State of Import
The country into which the waste is imported for recycling, recovery, or disposal. The State of Import must authorise the receipt of the waste in accordance with its national laws and applicable international agreements.
Eligible Waste
Refers to waste streams approved for movement under the MTP. These are non-commercial waste streams that are suitable for recycling, recovery, or safe treatment at licensed facilities and meet programme and regulatory requirements.
Non-commercial Waste
Waste cargoes that would not otherwise have been shipped (without the assistance of the MTP), as the cost of container hire and shipping would be close to or greater than the value of the cargo, and that the waste cargo has not been shipped for profit during the prior 2 years.
Non-hazardous Waste
Refers to waste that does not exhibit hazardous characteristics and is not classified as hazardous under applicable national regulations or international conventions.
Hazardous Waste
Waste classified as hazardous under national legislation or international conventions governing the transboundary movement of waste, due to its chemical, physical, or toxic properties, and which requires specialised handling, treatment, or disposal.
Swire Shipping Network
Refers to ports and trade routes serviced by Swire Shipping.
Ports outside of this network may require the use of feeder vessels or additional transport arrangements, the costs of which are not covered under MTP.
Waste Identification and Classification
Correctly identify, classify, and describe the waste, including confirmation of whether it is hazardous or non-hazardous and eligible under MTP.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with applicable national laws, regional agreements, and international conventions governing the export of waste.
- Obtain all required approvals, permits, and consents prior to shipment.
Accuracy of Information
- Ensure all information provided in the application, shipping documentation, and declarations is complete, accurate, and truthful.
- Accept liability for delays, rejections, or penalties arising from incorrect or misleading information.
Waste Preparation and Packaging
- Prepare, package, label, and secure the waste in accordance with applicable regulations and safety standards.
- Ensure waste is fit for transport and does not present risk to vessels, crew, ports, or the environment.
Local Logistics and Costs
- Arrange and pay for all local charges, including collection, storage, cartage, packaging, inspections, documentation, port and regulatory fees.
- Cover any feeder vessel or additional transport costs where the port of load or discharge is outside the Swire Shipping network.
Receiving Facility Arrangements
- Identify an appropriate licensed consignee and ensure acceptance arrangements are in place prior to shipment.
- Remain liable for waste if shipment is refused or cannot be accepted at the destination.
Customs and Documentation
Prepare and submit all customs, export, and import documentation accurately and on time.
Risk and Liability
Assume responsibility for loss, damage, contamination, or non-compliance arising from the waste prior to loading and after discharge, except where otherwise governed by applicable carriage terms.
Cooperation and Communication
Respond promptly to requests for information or clarification during the application and shipment process.
Authorised Acceptance
Be a licensed and legally authorised facility permitted to receive, recycle, recover, or treat the waste in accordance with national laws and applicable international requirements.
Pre-acceptance Arrangements
- Acceptance of the waste shipment prior to export, including waste type, quantity, and treatment method.
- Ensure capacity and capability to manage the waste safely upon arrival.
Regulatory Compliance
- Comply with all applicable import laws, environmental regulations, and permit conditions in the State of Import.
- Obtain and maintain all approvals required to receive and process the waste.
Waste Handling and Treatment
- Handle, store, recycle, recover, or treat the waste in a manner that is safe, environmentally sound, and consistent with regulatory and licensing requirements.
- Prevent harm to human health, the environment, or infrastructure during receipt and processing.
Accuracy of Information
- Rely on accurate waste descriptions and notify relevant parties promptly if the received waste does not match declared specifications.
- Accept responsibility for managing accepted waste once it has been discharged and taken into custody.
Receipt and Documentation
- Acknowledge receipt of the waste and complete any required import or receipt documentation in a timely manner.
- Provide confirmation of receipt or processing where required.
Local Costs and Charges
Be responsible for any costs incurred after discharge at the destination port, including handling, storage, transport, treatment, and regulatory fees, unless otherwise agreed.
Refusal or Non-acceptance
- Notify the Shipper and relevant authorities immediately if the waste cannot be accepted or processed as agreed.
- Cooperate in identifying appropriate remedial actions if acceptance is refused.
Liability Post Discharge
Assume responsibility and liability for the waste once it has been discharged from the vessel and accepted at the destination port.
Cooperation and Communication
Respond promptly to requests for clarification or information from the Shipper, SPREP, or competent authorities.
The MTP follows a structured application and assessment process to ensure that waste shipments are eligible, feasible, and compliant with programme requirements.
Application Submission
Applicants submit an application through the MTP website. The application must provide accurate information on the proposed waste stream, quantities, location, and intended receiving facility.
Acknowledgement and Initial Review
Once received, the application is acknowledged and logged. SPREP conducts an initial review to check completeness and assess eligibility under the programme, including whether the waste is non-commercial and suitable for movement.
Eligibility Assessment (SPREP)
SPREP reviews the application against MTP criteria. Where additional information is required, the applicant may be contacted. Applications that do not meet eligibility requirements may be declined at this stage.
Shipping Feasibility Review (Swire Shipping)
Applications that pass the eligibility assessment are referred to Swire Shipping for review of shipping feasibility. This includes consideration of routing, vessel availability, container suitability, and network coverage.
Decision and Notification
Based on the eligibility and feasibility assessments, a final decision is issued. Applicants are informed whether their application is approved, declined, or placed on hold pending further information or conditions.
Post Decision Coordination
For approved applications, applicants are responsible for coordinating all local logistics, documentation, and arrangements with the consignee. SPREP and Swire Shipping provide guidance within the scope of the programme. Both SPREP and Swire Shipping aim to respond to applications and queries within four weeks of receiving the application.