A new alliance of major shipping companies has launched a coordinated push to curb ocean plastic pollution, signalling one of the maritime sector’s most ambitious environmental collaborations to date.
The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS), founded by ocean impact organisation Seven Clean Seas (SCS), brings together leading carriers and maritime service providers with a shared mission: to drive measurable reductions in plastic waste across the global shipping value chain.
Tom Peacock-Nazil, Founder & Chairman of MACS, explained: “SCS has always believed in collective action as the most powerful lever for change.
“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.”
A sector dependent on healthy oceans
Oceans are the backbone of world trade, moving close to 90% of globally transported goods and supporting the livelihoods of more than two million seafarers. Yet they are under mounting pressure.
An estimated 14 million tonnes of plastic enter marine ecosystems every year, harming wildlife, damaging coastlines and weakening ocean resilience.
Although the shipping industry contributes only a small portion of this waste, the impact of poorly handled operational waste, lost cargo or mismanaged quayside materials can be severe. Lightweight plastics such as pellets, films and packaging are particularly prone to accidental leakage.
MACS aims to address these risks head-on by fostering better practices and accelerating innovation across the entire maritime ecosystem.
Building on global momentum
The launch of MACS marks a pivotal moment for maritime sustainability. It strengthens ongoing efforts under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Plastic Marine Litter Action Plan and reflects wider global momentum for coordinated solutions to ocean plastic pollution.
As environmental scrutiny intensifies from regulators, communities and customers, shipping companies face growing pressure to adopt transparent and responsible waste management practices.
MACS positions itself as the platform where maritime players can unite, reduce onboard plastic use, improve waste handling and influence broader industries that have even larger plastic footprints.
A united approach to measurable change
SCS brings to the alliance its extensive expertise in tackling plastic at its source. The organisation operates certified recovery projects in some of the world’s most polluted coastal areas, combining waste extraction with fair employment and community development.
Through MACS, the maritime sector gains a structured framework for two core objectives: large-scale ocean plastic recovery and systemic waste reduction throughout the maritime value chain.
The Association has outlined three priority workstreams for 2026:
- Sustainable procurement and material use
- Measuring and reducing waste generated on vessels
- Improving portside waste reception and handling
These focus areas align directly with the IMO’s 2030 Action Plan. They also contribute to SCS’ larger mission of recovering 100 million kilogrammes of plastic and improving the lives of 200,000 people by the end of the decade.
Founding members reflect a diverse maritime landscape
MACS launches with founding members from across the industry, including Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) and Britoil Offshore Services.
Together, they represent bulk carriers, global feeders, offshore specialists and leading ship managers – demonstrating widespread recognition that collective action is essential to combat ocean plastic pollution.
Each member brings practical experience in operational efficiency, environmental stewardship and data-driven transparency. Their involvement underscores a sector-wide willingness to move beyond isolated initiatives and commit to shared standards that can deliver impact at scale.
Charting a cleaner course for global shipping
By forming MACS, the maritime industry is signalling that safeguarding the oceans is no longer optional – it is inseparable from the future of global trade.
The alliance aims not only to reduce ocean plastic waste but also to demonstrate how cross-sector collaboration can shift entrenched systems and inspire change far beyond shipping.
MACS is now inviting additional members from across the maritime value chain to join its mission and help build a cleaner, more resilient future for the world’s oceans.
