1: Save the ocean

According to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year and make up 80 % of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Most shipowners are buying drinking water in plastic bottles. For the 55 thousand ships on the ocean, there are in excess of 1 billion plastic bottles onboard a ship per year. If 1 % of these bottles are mishandled and dropped in the ocean this counts about 10 million bottles. 

Additionally, WWF states that maritime trade and fisheries account for 20 % of all plastic in the Mediterranean sea. As well as damaging marine life and beaches, the plastic may cause problems for ships when floating objects tangle with propeller blades or clog the water intake for cooling systems. WWF estimates that maritime industry loses 235 million euros each year due to marine plastic debris.

2: Save money

The other issue of bottled water is the cost of it, and especially the return of the plastic. With more and more focus on garbage return to shore, facilities in Singapore and other ports are charging sky-high prices for receiving plastic. It may come down to a cost of US$0.50 per litre, which means the shipowner can install and write-off a water disinfection system in about 5 years against the cost of bottled water. 

3: Save emissions

Even if the vessel has well-functioning garbage management, the production and shipping of plastic bottles are responsible for emissions of SOx, NOx and CO2. 

Why is everyone using water bottles? 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends that all shipowners should minimize taking on board material that could become garbage. But there is little debate concerning the use of plastic bottles for drinking water. They seem to be the only alternative for most shipowners due to few other favourable alternatives and a cultural distrust of tap water in many countries. To ensure a sustainable future at sea, this needs to change. 

How to cut them out 

In order to cut out the plastic bottles, the ship needs a well-functioning and cost-effective water disinfection system for the water tanks and pipes. Our system uses biocides to ensure a virtually maintenance-free process which prevents development of legionella and other harmful bacteria. Read more about our service or contact us for more information.