Marella Cruises Expands Microfibre Capture Across Fleet

Marella Cruises, in collaboration with Cleaner Seas Group, is launching an industry-first initiative to combat microfibre pollution across its fleet by September 2025. This decision follows a successful six-month trial aboard Marella Explorer, where 99% of microfibres were captured from the ship’s laundry wastewater.

As part of this initiative, two INDIKON Marine filters were installed in May 2024 on Marella Explorer’s crew laundry system to prevent microplastic pollution from entering the ocean. The project is supported by research from the University of Surrey and independent lab tests, which verified the filters' high efficiency in capturing microfibres.

Following the trial’s success, all five Marella ships will now be fitted with INDIKON filters, which are projected to capture around 500kg of microfibres per ship each year. These filters are also reusable and recyclable, providing a sustainable solution for long-term environmental protection.

Marella’s parent company, TUI Cruises, previously tested the INDIKON filters, reflecting growing industry interest in tackling microplastic pollution at sea.

“Installing the INDIKON filters across our fleet will help prevent microplastics from entering our oceans, which pose a serious threat to marine life,” said Olivia Wells, Sustainability Manager at Marella Cruises. “Microfibres account for 35% of marine microplastic pollution and can carry toxic chemicals that harm ecosystems. We hope this initiative inspires other cruise lines to take similar action.”

Cleaner Seas Group CEO Dave Miller praised Marella Cruises for its commitment to sustainability, calling the collaboration “a major step in microplastic prevention at sea.” He added, “Marella has set a new standard in the cruise industry, and we look forward to expanding this partnership across the TUI Group.”