Marella Cruises is spearheading an innovative trial to capture microplastics from laundry wastewater onboard their ships, marking an industry first.
- The trial, conducted on the Marella Explorer, involves the installation of Indikon filters aimed at reducing microplastic pollution from washing machines.
- This initiative is a joint effort with Cleaner Seas Group and involves collaboration with the University of Surrey to monitor and assess the efficacy of the filters.
- The outcome of the six-month trial will determine the potential fleet-wide implementation of these filters.
- Marella Cruises emphasises its commitment to environmental stewardship through this pioneering effort.
Marella Cruises has embarked on a groundbreaking six-month trial to capture microplastics, an effort they claim leads the industry in environmental initiatives. This trial is being conducted on the Marella Explorer with the installation of two Indikon filters in their laundry system. The primary objective of these filters is to trap microplastic particles in the water waste generated from washing machines, thereby preventing these pollutants from entering and damaging marine ecosystems.
The trial is conducted in collaboration with the Cleaner Seas Group, who have developed this filtration technology. They are working alongside the University of Surrey to meticulously monitor and measure the efficacy of microplastic capture throughout the trial. This partnership signifies a concerted effort to address the substantial threat posed by microfibres, identified as the leading ocean microplastic pollutant originating from laundry waste.
As the trial progresses, Cleaner Seas Group has expressed commitment to refining their filtration solutions based on findings from the University of Surrey. The adaptability of the filter technology to improve microplastic capture efficiency could pave the way for long-term solutions in ocean conservation.
Pending the success of this trial, Marella Cruises anticipates considering the integration of these filters across their entire fleet. Olivia Wells, Marella Cruises’ sustainability manager, has reiterated the company’s dedication to ‘further look after the natural environment in which our ships sail’. Dave Miller, CEO of Cleaner Seas Group, shares in the optimism, highlighting the potential to set a new standard for microplastic capture in the cruise industry.
This trial represents a significant move towards reducing microplastic pollution in our oceans, setting a precedent for others to follow.
