The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has introduced guides to aid the commercial shipping sector in adopting sustainable plastic procurement practices. These resources tackle industry challenges such as inconsistent terminology and varying supplier requirements, fostering a unified approach to reduce marine plastic pollution by 2030, in line with IMO goals.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has finalized a draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The plan awaits approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in April 2025. It aims to reduce plastic litter from fishing vessels and shipping, improve awareness and training, and enhance international cooperation.
Bloomberg reported on August 18, 2024, that shipping containers carrying hazardous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand are being returned to Europe due to environmental concerns. Maersk and MSC ships are rerouting 100 containers of potentially harmful waste back to Italy, following efforts by authorities and environmental groups to prevent illegal waste exports to Southeast Asia.
Torqeedo is leading the way in sustainability by integrating ocean-bound plastics into their emission-free boating products. With a new Advanced Engineering Team testing recycled materials, they aim to reduce CO2 impact by over 80% while maintaining product quality. This initiative marks a significant step towards a circular plastic economy in the marine industry.
