BIMCO has entered into a knowledge partnership with the Marine Association for Clean Seas (MACS), to strengthen its support for members working to reduce plastics on board and improve waste practices.
The partnership aims to provide our members with access to additional collaborative expertise, insights and initiatives aimed at helping you take practical steps to reduce plastics on board.
Improving the provision of information to members on plastics through the partnership
This includes developing practical guidance and emerging best practices on reducing single-use plastics, improving member access to industry discussions, working groups and webinars on plastics management, shared BIMCO-MACS insights into operational solutions and new approaches and information on developing frameworks and initiatives relevant to marine plastics.
Support real-world implementation
The main focus of the partnership is to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation in tackling ocean plastic pollution.
The Clean Seas Marine Association, an industry initiative launched and led by Seven Clean Seas (SCS), combines industry collaboration with practical implementation expertise. SCS’s work has been recognized by organizations including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In return, we will contribute the operational expertise through our global network of members needed to help translate industry ambitions into practical action.
By combining these two areas of expertise, the partnership will look to translate company policy and commitments into practical solutions on board while recognizing real-world challenges, such as availability of alternatives, crew acceptance and port reception facilities.
The Partnership directly supports our ongoing work to reduce plastic waste from ships and improve how it is managed – as we have actively worked with members to:
- Phase out single-use plastic water bottles, as safe alternatives are available
- Reduce other unnecessary single-use plastic items on board
- Improving the handling and disposal of plastic waste from ship to shore
- Support the development of clear and effective global requirements for plastics related to the safe transport of plastic pellets.
Looking forward
Reducing plastic pollution requires coordinated action across the marine sector. While most plastic comes from land-based sources, shipping plays an important role in reducing its footprint and supporting broader solutions.
Through this partnership with MACS, we will continue to support members by sharing knowledge, promoting practical measures and contributing to effective and operationally feasible solutions.
Source: BIMCO
