A group of big shipping names has launched a new alliance aimed at cutting plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS), founded by ocean impact organisation Seven Clean Seas (SCS), brings together members including Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, and Britoil Offshore Services. MACS aims to reduce plastic and operational waste across the maritime value chain, focusing on practical measures that can deliver measurable results. “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,” said Tom Peacock-Nazil, founder and chairman of MACS. The initiative builds on the International Maritime Organization’s Plastic Marine Litter Action Plan, aligning industry efforts with global targets for ocean protection. While the shipping sector contributes a small fraction of total ocean plastic, MACS members are focusing on areas where the industry can make the biggest difference, including preventing cargo losses, improving onboard waste management, and reducing single-use plastics. For 2026, MACS will target three core areas: sustainable procurement, vessel waste measurement and reduction, and better portside waste reception. The alliance also leverages SCS’ experience in recovering ocean plastic and providing social benefits in heavily polluted coastal regions. “Protecting the oceans is central to our business,” said Michael Blanding, head of sustainability at Berge Bulk. “Through MACS, we’re proud to help lead a united industry response that can achieve change at scale.” Other founding members echoed the importance of collaboration. Francis Goh, chief operating officer of X-Press Feeders, said: “Joining MACS is a natural extension of our sustainability journey, which goes beyond reducing emissions to address waste and plastic challenges across the maritime ecosystem.” The association will provide the maritime sector with a structured platform to share best practices, adopt innovations, and track progress toward cleaner seas and is inviting additional maritime players to join. Founded in Singapore in 2019, Seven Clean Seas works to prevent and recover ocean plastic while creating employment and social impact in heavily polluted coastal regions. The organisation aims to recover 100m kg of plastic and by 2030. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1_95_0_1_2'); }); TagsSingapore