Seatrade-Maritime: Emirates Shipping Line to stop accepting waste plastics

Published by Seatrade-Maritime

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) is set to become the second container carrier to stop accepting waste plastics as cargo.

ESL issued on a circular on 15 September saying that from 1 October it would discontinue accepting waste plastics and that the initiative reflected “our dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity”. Plastic waste is classified under HS Code 3915.

The Dubai-headquartered line is only the second container to take a stand against carrying plastic waste following a similar move by CMA CGM in 2022.

Basel Action Network (BAN), a charitable organisation focused on ended the international trade of toxic waste, has been ESL and other members of the World Shipping Council to encourage carriers to stop carrying plastic waste.

“We believe the decision to ban the carriage of plastic waste is the right step forward and reflects our focus on responsible and compliant shipping practices. We appreciate the advocacy and collaboration of organizations such as the Basel Action Network in helping drive meaningful progress across the industry,” said Michael Davies, COO and Regional Managing Director for Middle East, ESL.

According to BAN hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste are shipped daily from developed to developing countries, often for purported recycling but in reality the waste is burned, dumped or processed under unsafe conditions.

“ESL’s decision marks another major milestone in the fight to end the export of harmful plastic waste to developing countries,” said Christopher Hudak, Senior Policy Advisor at BAN. “ESL and CMA CGM are proving that shipping companies can lead on this issue and still thrive, and BAN is calling on every other member of the World Shipping Council to follow their example.”