BIMCO has entered into a knowledge partnership with the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS), strengthening its support to members working to reduce plastics onboard ships and improve waste practices.
The partnership aims to provide our members with access to additional expertise, insights and collaborative initiatives aimed at helping you take practical steps to reduce plastics onboard.
Improving provision of information to members on plastics through partnership
This includes the development of practical guidance and emerging best practices on reducing single-use plastics, better access for members to industry discussions, working groups and webinars on plastics management, joint BIMCO–MACS insights into operational solutions and novel approaches and information on developing frameworks and initiatives relevant to marine plastics
Supporting real-world implementation
A key focus of the partnership is to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation in tackling ocean plastic pollution.
The Maritime Association for Clean Seas, an industry initiative launched and driven by Seven Clean Seas (SCS), combines industry collaboration with practical implementation experience. SCS’ work has been recognised by organisations including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
In turn we will contribute the operational expertise through our global network of members needed to help translate industry ambitions into practical action.
By bringing together these two areas of expertise, the partnership will look at translating company policy and commitments into practical onboard solutions whilst being aware of the 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- where we have been actively working with members to:
- Phase out single-use plastic water bottles, where safe alternatives are available
- Reduce other unnecessary single-use plastics onboard
- Improve 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 carriage of plastic pellets.
Looking ahead
Reducing plastic pollution requires coordinated action across the maritime sector. While most plastic originates from land-based sources, shipping has an important role to play in reducing its own 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 solutions that are both effective and operationally feasible.
To learn more about our plastics work please feel free to reach out. In addition, members are encouraged to use the BIMCO Best Practice Guide entitled "The art and science of removing single-use plastic bottles from ships" .
To learn more about MACS please visit Maritime Association of Clean Seas: Combating Plastic Waste
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