Company has introduced several initiatives to reduce, and where possible eliminate, single-use plastics
By
Rebecca Gibson |
UK-based operator Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has banned plastic straws and cutlery onboard its four ocean cruise ships as part of its efforts to reduce waste and single-use plastics.
Fred. Olsen has introduced several waste-saving initiatives to decrease, and where possible eliminate, single-use disposable plastics onboard Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. It also aims to reduce the amount of plastics its uses for operations and will work to help suppliers minimise single-use plastics too.
Some of the initiatives include removing single-use coffee cups from Bookmark Cafés; reducing the consumption of cling film; replacing plastic laundry bags with linen ones; and replacing plastic packaging used for single-serve portions of jam, butter and milk in the restaurants, buffets and room service orders. The cruise line will also use ropes to secure items during rough seas, rather than plastic.
“As a cruise line, we make our living out of the sea,” said Thomas Rennesland, hotel operations director at Fred. Olsen. “We need to do our utmost to conserve this precious environment and make sure that it is safeguarded for marine life and the enjoyment of generations to come. We have been listening to guest feedback and asking our staff how we can work together to reduce, and wherever possible, remove our reliance upon single-use plastics. Onboard Boudicca, for instance, we have been able to reduce the use of cling film by 32%; this is being replicated across our other ships.”
Fred. Olsen is also evaluating how it can decrease and eliminate single-use plastic onboard its new river cruise ship Brabant.