Ocean impact organization Seven Clean Seas (SCS) and shipping companies including Berge Bulk, Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (BSM), X-Press Feeders and Britoil Offshore Services have united in a project to combat ocean plastic pollution. The group represents a cross-section of the global maritime sector, from bulk carriers and ship management to offshore operations.
Their initiative, called Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) builds on the International Maritime Organization’s established Plastic Marine Litter Action Plan and responds to the growing global support for coordinated, industry-wide action on plastic pollution.
At least one million metric tons of plastic enters the ocean every year; some statistics have it up to 12 million. Studies show that for sea creatures, ingesting even a small amount of plastic can be fatal. Plus plastics break down in the ocean and become a sort of soup that threatens ecosysteme
While the maritime sector contributes only a small fraction of this pollution, even isolated cargo losses or poor waste handling on board or quayside can have serious consequences which could be prevented, especially with plastic pellets, films and light packaging. By advancing best practices, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain, the industry can play a pivotal role in reducing plastic leakage and protecting the very waters it relies on.
Elena Pantazidou, HR Director & Board Member of BSM commented, “At Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, we believe that safeguarding our oceans is not just a responsibility but a commitment to future generations. Joining forces as a founding member of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas reflects our dedication to driving sustainable practices across the maritime industry.”
The Association brings maritime leaders together to tackle two core objectives of ocean plastic recovery at scale and waste reduction across the maritime value chain, with the initial focus for 2026 on three key areas:
– Sustainable procurement and material use
– Vessel waste measurement and reduction
– Improved portside waste reception.
These efforts align directly with the IMO’s 2030 Action Plan. It also marks a key milestone in SCS’ mission to recover 100,000,000 kilograms of plastic and improve 200,000 lives by 2030, proving how targeted collaboration can drive systemic change and inspire far-reaching environmental progress.
“Seven Clean Seas has always believed in collective action as the most powerful lever for change,” said Tom Peacock-Nazil, Founder & Chairman of MACS. “With MACS, we’re providing the maritime industry with the tools it needs to make measurable progress against plastic pollution. Not in isolation, but together.”
