APL today announced that it is providing free shipping to The Ocean Cleanup, a non-government, non-profit organisation working to develop advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. As an Official Partner of The Ocean Cleanup, APL has committed to transport containers of components and equipment for the extraction of plastic pollution from the oceans from 2019 to 2020.
“We applaud The Ocean Cleanup’s course in cleaning up our oceans. In partnering with The Ocean Cleanup, APL seeks to step up our efforts in protecting marine biodiversity. APL is fully behind The Ocean Cleanup’s efforts to remove ocean debris that contributes to habitat destruction and kills tens of thousands of marine animals each year” said Dennis Yee, APL Global Head of Safety, Security and Environment.
In these two years, APL will deliver equipment and components for research programs and clean-up operations globally. In support of its clean-up operations and to create a better understanding of the problem, The Ocean Cleanup performs global measurement campaigns to determine the sources and composition of floating plastic in the oceans.
APL has been demonstrating care for the environment and supporting efforts in ocean biodiversity protection. Operationally, the carrier protects the marine environment from the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water carried by its ships.
Commercially, APL prohibits the carriage of endangered species products including shark fin, dolphins and whales among others onboard its vessels. APL is also a signatory of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, joining the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
Globally, APL employees also embrace marine conservation, involving in coastal and waterway clean-up for litter-free seas and rivers; as well as raising funds for marine charities.