Tomorrow, we celebrate World Maritime Day and maritime transportation's essential role in global trade and interconnectivity. As we navigate the waves of progress and innovation, let us remember the importance of sustainable practices and marine conservation to ensure a prosperous future for all.
Grindrod is proud to be a sponsor of the Blue Port project, which was established in March 2019, with the specific focus of progressively reducing the amount of plastic waste flowing into the port. Waste trapping interventions focused on the key rivers and canals flowing into the harbour, minimising the plastic waste escaping the port into the ocean and removing the historical build-up of waste in the ports' ecosystem.
Some highlights include:
- Recycling collected: 45 079 kg.
- Plastic waste collected: 21 109 kg (including LDPE, HDPE, PET, Polypropylene).
- Three plastic floating booms were installed, and one bamboo waste-trapping structure was erected.
- In April last year, heavy rains and flooding in Durban caused a massive influx of plastic, debris, and other waste along the shoreline. The Blue Port Team collaborated with The Litterboom Project on 14 April 2022, and over 700 bags of waste were collected, weighing an estimated 21 000 kg.
The Blue Port team comprises 45 individuals, 35 selected from the local ward. They are doing a fantastic job in contributing to maritime conservation.