At least 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans annually and researchers estimate this will increase to 29 million tons by 2040. Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris which causes severe injuries and death. Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism.
The contents of lost containers contribute to marine litter as does the ocean carriage of “nurdles” (pre- production plastic pellets). In 2018, the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted the IMO Action Plan to address marine plastic litter from ships. In April 2022, the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) supported the need for measures that reduce the environmental risk of marine transport of microplastic particles and synthetic resin pellets.
This work is ongoing at IMO and IUMI will participate in IMO Working Groups and Correspondence Groups to communicate marine insurers’ positions regarding the safe packaging of plastic pellets.
Read our full update:
Related topics
