BIMCO to launch working group to harness members' experience of reduci...

BIMCO to launch working group to harness members' experience of reducing single use plastics onboard ships

Published: 03 February 2022

Reducing the amount of plastic litter in the oceans is a shared responsibility and requires a collective effort. By taking steps to reduce single-use plastics on ships, the shipping industry will contribute to addressing the global plastic litter problem. We know that many BIMCO members are taking decisive and positive action in this area and we are keen to learn from their experiences to help shape a bigger industry campaign.

BIMCO supports phasing out single-use plastic bottles when replaced by sustainable alternatives or onboard systems that provide safe and good quality potable water. BIMCO also sees this as both an achievable and impactful way for the shipping industry to contribute to reducing plastic litter at sea. We know that at the heart of a successful campaign will lie the willingness of the industry and, of course, the seafarers onboard ships. As such we want to ensure we have a good understanding of all the initiatives already taking place.

We want to make sure we have a clear picture of what the current situation is and how we might gather data and information. We want to bring our members together to help identify the barriers to reducing single-use plastic (SUP) onboard ships as well as exploring existing and new ways to address those barriers. We also seek to inspire shipowners, operators and managers to take action and offer assistance as and when necessary.

That is why we at BIMCO are establishing an informal working group is to explore relevant issues and to inform our industry campaign. We want a group that will stimulate new ideas, encourage creative shipping-led solutions and discuss ways on how best to develop new proposals.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Beverley Mackenzie at bm@bimco.org .

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