Tokyo-based Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is set to launch a project using specialised ships to collect waste, including plastic waste, in the offshore waters of Vietnam.
The nation features a vast coastline stretching from north to south which makes it easy for waste to drift into the ocean. As a result, the volume of waste impacting the country is increasing with rapid urbanization.
Due to this issue, this summer will see MOL co-ordinate alongside the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct feasibility studies in the nation during the one-year period based on intentions to co-operate with the Vietnamese Government to implement the project.
According to MOL, field feasibility studies are set to include calculating the amount of plastic and other waste that can be collected at sea, as well as where and how they can construct a dedicated vessel specifically for this project.
The Japanese firm has pledged to establish a marine waste collection system which is suitable for sea areas through a project supported by the JICA, under which the company can then expand its marine waste collection business to include other areas.
Previously, Japan had run two commercial ships with marine waste collection systems operated by several companies, including MOL.
