Emirates Shipping Line in Plastic Waste Cargoes Ban

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) will stop transporting plastic waste from October 1, becoming only the second ocean carrier to introduce a complete ban on such shipments.

The Dubai-based shipping company said it will no longer accept bookings for plastic waste classified under HS Code 3915. ESL said the decision reflects its commitment to safeguarding marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

The move comes following pressure from the Basel Action Network (BAN), which has been urging members of the World Shipping Council to stop transporting plastic waste from developed countries to developing nations.

“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,” said Michael Davies, ESL’s chief operating officer and regional managing director for the Middle East.

ESL becomes the second ocean carrier to adopt a blanket ban, following CMA CGM, which stopped transporting plastic waste in 2022 after a BAN campaign focused on nine major shipping companies.

BAN says shipping lines play an important role in the international plastic waste trade. While much of this material is exported to developing countries for recycling, the organization says some waste can instead be dumped, burned or processed under unsafe conditions.

Christopher Hudak, senior policy adviser at BAN, described ESL’s decision as “another major milestone” and urged other members of the World Shipping Council to introduce similar measures.