Marella Cruises to trial ‘industry first’ microplastic filter on board Marella Explorer
Marella Cruises is set to trial a new microplastic filter on board Marella Explorer in a bid to improve the vessel’s sustainability credentials
In partnership with sustainability organisation Cleaner Seas Group, the line has installed two INDIKON filters onto the ship’s crew laundry system to prevent ecosystems and marine life from being harmed by plastic microfibres.
The washing machine filter, engineered by Cleaner Seas Group, can be fitted to existing machines for microplastic capture from water waste.
Working with the University of Surrey, the line will monitor and measure the microplastics captured on board the ship and Cleaner Seas Group will adapt any technology based on the findings.
Marella will review the results of the six-month trial before rolling out the filters across the rest of its fleet, including Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager.
Olivia Wells, sustainability manager at Marella Cruises, said: “We are committed to finding ways to further look after the natural environment in which our ships sail.
“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 to find further ways to protect the environment
Dave Miller, CEO at Cleaner Seas Group, added: “We are thrilled to be working on this ocean conservation initiative with Marella Cruises. 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.”
Last month, the line cancelled its 2024/2025 Asia and Middle East programme due to ongoing conflict in the Red Sea.
