The exhibition stand arrives at Southampton Image: Port of Dover –
The Port of Dover exhibited at Seatrade Global in Miami in 2019 with a stand made entirely from waste plastic collected from the world’s oceans and beaches.
The stand, made from recycled plastic – from the frame, walls and flooring to the furniture and soft furnishings – has now returned to the UK from Port Everglades via Princess Cruises’ Island Princess.
Having been carefully unloaded from the ship by Solent Stevedores, the stand is now on its way to be recycled again into chairs for local schools.
Sustainability was also at the heart of this year’s Seatrade Global exhibit. All travel emissions were offset, no single-use plastic was used, and all elements of the stand were reused or recycled.
Collaborating with Miami-based environmental art collective, Before Its Too Late, using eco paint, Smog Armor, a mural was painted on the stand throughout the week, to inspire visitors and show the progress the Port has made towards sustainable sea travel.
The mural from the Port of Dover’s 2022 stand will be brought back to the cruise terminal later this year to be showcased to cruise passengers for years to come.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said: “Both our 2019 and 2022 Seatrade Stands were a roaring success and are examples of how cruise activities can join up with the circular economy and benefit the local community, as we stand against plastic waste.
“From the establishment of the SEA Award, which commends high standards of practice for waste disposal and reduction in emissions for each visiting cruise vessel to the Port’s overall targets to reach net zero by 2025, the Port of Dover is placing sustainability at the heart of all business activities.
“The Port of Dover is not only a first-rate destination in terms of our transport links to London and beyond, our world-class, efficient operation at the Port and iconic surroundings on the Kent Heritage Coast, but our environmental credentials too.”
Richard Boydon, Director Marine Operations at Princess Cruises, said: “We are delighted to be returning the Port of Dover’s Seatrade stand to the UK and to be playing a part in these sustainable community projects.
“It’s an honour to have the Island Princess carry these materials as she makes her way to Europe for the summer season, ensuring that the stand’s journey back to the UK contributes zero additional emissions.”