The maritime community’s attention on June 8 once again turns towards the open, shimmering blue. World Oceans Day serves as a reminder of the deep and complicated relationship that we have with the oceans. Many of us in shipping and transportation have an obvious relationship. The oceans are our highways for global trade, an essential source of food, and, at the end of the day, a fragile ecosystem that needs our attention and protection.
The oceans, as we now know them, have an unknown depth that conceals millions of secrets not yet discovered by humankind. The oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface and contain more than just vast water reserves. The profound depth of the oceans represents the lifeblood of our global ecosystem. World Oceans Day, therefore, serves not only as a call to celebrate the magnificence of the oceans, but also as an opportunity to engage in mapping a way forward for everyone and all industries to become responsible stewards and to protect these important blue arteries and to stop the pollution entering them. The journey towards cleaner oceans, healthier marine life, and fighting against pollution ultimately starts with changing a few simple habits and policies or practices that can truly make a difference.
To stop the scourge of single-use plastics and start to implement measures that could affect real change.
There is probably no better way to understand the significance of our oceans than through those who spend their lives being surprised by their unpredictable beauty. I remember a particularly enthralling conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Alok Yadav, who anchored a voyaging team in the Indian Army’s Around the Indian Peninsula Sailing Expedition 2018, which was an extraordinary expedition that holds a record in the Limca Book of Records.
When we spoke, Lt. Col Alok Yadav described his experiences in a number of Indian coastal waters, in a variety of areas of land, and at many ports of call. His personal stories of the wildlife he shared space with, of the moods of the sea, and of humankind’s negative and positive impact on important environments were immensely engaging. His firsthand encounters painted a striking picture of the diverse marine life, the ocean’s ever-changing moods, and the undeniable human footprint on these environments. He conveyed a deep respect for the ocean’s grandeur, coupled with a palpable concern for its escalating vulnerability.
Indeed, even in seemingly remote stretches of the ocean, the pervasive threat of plastic pollution is a stark reality. Research consistently reveals the alarming scale of this crisis. Microplastics, tiny fragments less than 5mm in size, are a particular concern, and their journey into the ocean is multifaceted. They originate from the breakdown of larger plastic items discarded on land and at sea, from synthetic clothing fibres shed during washing, from microbeads in personal care products, and from industrial spills. Once in the environment, these minute particles are transported by wind and rain into rivers, eventually making their way to the sea. They are then carried by currents, accumulating in massive gyres like the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a swirling vortex of plastic debris that not only disrupts marine ecosystems but also introduces these particles into the marine food chain, potentially impacting human health.
Tackling this monumental challenge requires a multi-pronged approach. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has long recognised the severity of marine plastic litter, prohibiting the discharge of all plastics from ships under MARPOL Annex V since 1988. This includes fishing gear and plastic garbage bags. The IMO’s strategy aims for ‘zero plastic waste discharges to sea from ships by 2025’ and emphasises strengthening waste management policies and enhancing port reception facilities globally. This means ships are obligated to offload their waste at designated facilities ashore, and nations must ensure these facilities are adequate. Beyond stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, improved waste collection and recycling infrastructure on land, and innovation in biodegradable materials are all crucial to stemming the tide of plastic pollution.
Alongside the battle against plastic, the maritime industry is vigorously pursuing decarbonisation efforts to mitigate its carbon footprint. The International Maritime Organisation has set ambitious targets, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 20% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and aiming for net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. This monumental shift necessitates a transition away from traditional fossil fuels towards cleaner propulsion technologies.
One of the most promising and increasingly adopted solutions is Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Rigorous research from leading classification societies like DNV and Lloyd’s Register provides clear, consistent evidence of WAPS’ effectiveness. Studies and real-world implementations overwhelmingly demonstrate significant fuel savings, typically ranging from 5–22%. For instance, one Flettner rotor system alone has been proven to achieve a substantial 17% daily fuel reduction on a vessel. These innovative systems, harnessing the enduring power of wind with advanced engineering, offer a tangible pathway towards decarbonising shipping and significantly reducing harmful emissions. Beyond WAPS, the industry is exploring alternative fuels such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels, alongside advancements in vessel design, operational efficiencies like ‘just-in-time’ arrivals, and even onboard carbon capture technologies.
This World Oceans Day, the message from the maritime world is clear: our well-being is inextricably linked to the health of our oceans. Every effort counts – from tackling the alarming scale of plastic pollution driven by microplastics, originating from various land and sea sources, to embracing and scaling up cleaner propulsion technologies like WAPS, and pursuing robust decarbonisation strategies. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure that the magnificent blue expanse that defines our planet can continue to thrive for generations to come. The future of our oceans depends on the winds of change we choose to sail with, today.
