By
Laura Hyde |
Marella Cruises has installed two Indikon filters onboard Marella Explorer as part of a six-month trial in microplastic capture.
The filters, engineered by Cleaner Seas Group, have been fitted to existing washing machines in the ship’s crew laundry system. They will capture microplastics (defined as being less than 5mm in length) from the machine’s water waste before they enter the ocean. Due to their small size, microplastics usually pass through water filtration systems and end up in the ocean where they can negatively affect ecosystems and marine life.
Throughout the trial, the University of Surrey will monitor and measure the microplastics captured onboard the ship and Cleaner Seas Group will adapt the filter technology based on the findings. It is hoped the trial will provide long-term filter solutions in microplastic capture.
“We are committed to finding ways to further look after the natural environment in which our ships sail,” said Olivia Wells, sustainability manager at Marella Cruises. “By working with Cleaner Seas Group during this six-month trial as an industry first initiative, we believe that it will support future studies on preserving and protecting oceans.”
Marella Cruises, which is operated by TUI UK, will review the results of the trial before rolling out the Indikon filters across its entire fleet of ships.
“We are thrilled to be working on this ocean conservation initiative with Marella Cruises,” said Dave Miller, CEO at Cleaner Seas Group. “By collaborating with one of the largest cruise lines in the UK, we hope to set a new course in microplastic capture prevention at sea.”