Maersk to deploy second OSV for ocean plastic cleanup

The Danish offshore support vessel (OSV) owner said it would send the anchor handling tug supply vessel Maersk Trader to join Maersk Tender. The additional vessel was made possible by AP Møller-Maersk increasing its donation to the non-profit organisation, strengthening its commitment to ocean health.

Since 2018, Maersk Supply Service has project managed and delivered offshore work for The Ocean Cleanup, including the tow and testing of the ocean systems. The Ocean Cleanup is optimising its systems to be ready for the offshore testing mid-2021.

“Ocean health is a priority for Maersk Supply Service,” said chief strategy officer Kristian Borum Jørgensen. “We are committed to reducing plastic waste in the oceans. Utilising two Maersk vessels and decades of experience is a great opportunity for us to further The Ocean Cleanup’s initiative and to help restore the oceans we sail every day, “ said Mr Jørgensen.

Maersk Trader is contracted for one year and will initially work on a trial in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch mid-2021.

In addition to the vessels and marine support from Maersk Supply Service, AP Møller-Maersk also provides logistics support to The Ocean Cleanup. The OSV owner provides global end-to-end transport of the equipment such as the collected ocean plastic and its river systems.

AP Møller-Maersk renewed its partnership with The Ocean Cleanup for another three years in January 2021.