A group of shipping companies has established the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS), an industry alliance aimed at reducing plastic and operational waste across the maritime sector.
The initiative has been founded by ocean impact organisation Seven Clean Seas (SCS) and includes founding members such as Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, Britoil Offshore Services, and Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).
The alliance focuses on reducing plastic pollution and improving waste management practices at sea and in port. While the maritime sector contributes a small proportion of ocean plastic, mismanaged cargo, packaging, and waste on board vessels or at quaysides can have significant environmental effects. MACS seeks to advance standardised practices, encourage innovation, and facilitate collaboration across the maritime value chain.
For 2026, the alliance plans to concentrate on three key areas:
- Sustainable procurement and material use
- Measurement and reduction of vessel waste
- Improved portside waste reception.
These objectives align with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2030 Action Plan on marine litter.
MACS builds on SCS’ existing programmes for ocean plastic recovery, which operate in coastal regions affected by high levels of pollution. The organisation’s approach combines waste recovery with local employment initiatives and community engagement.
Founding members represent various segments of the maritime industry, including bulk carriers, ship management, offshore services, and feeder shipping. Their participation indicates a commitment to improving operational and environmental practices and increasing transparency of data on waste management.
Tom Peacock-Nazil, Founder & Chairman of MACS said:Seven Clean Seas 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.
MACS intends to expand its membership to include other organisations willing to contribute to waste reduction and sustainable practices across the maritime sector. By coordinating action, MACS aims to reduce plastic leakage into oceans and improve environmental standards in shipping operations.
