Connect with us

News

X-Press Pearl disaster fuels global call to classify plastic pellets as hazardous

Published

4 weeks ago

on

X-Press Pearl

Nearly five years after the catastrophic sinking of the X-Press Pearl, off Sri Lanka’s western coast, the environmental scars remain visible — from contaminated beaches to disrupted fisheries. Now, that tragedy has become a rallying point for an international coalition of scientists, demanding urgent reforms to global maritime law.

A group of leading researchers and environmental experts is calling on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to formally recognise plastic pellets — commonly known as nurdles — as hazardous to the marine environment. They argue that existing international shipping regulations fail to adequately address the environmental devastation caused by pellet spills.

Their appeal comes through a newly accepted scientific commentary, published in Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, consolidating decades of research on the impacts of plastic pellet pollution.

Plastic pellets are small, lentil-sized (2–5 mm) particles made from virgin or recycled plastic and used to manufacture a vast range of plastic

products. Scientists say that spills occur frequently during handling and transport, both on land and at sea. Once released into the ocean, pellets persist for decades, spreading across vast distances and entering marine food chains.

Dr. Jennifer Lavers, who studies pollutants in seabirds, warned that the scale of plastic ingestion has reached crisis levels.

“Today the volumes of plastic pellets entering the marine environment are enough to ‘feed’ millions of young seabirds,” she said. “In some areas we are seeing nearly a 100% rate of plastic ingestion, with pellets being particularly problematic.”

Beyond physical harm such as digestive blockages in wildlife, pellets also pose chemical threats. According to Dr. Sinja Rist of DTU Aqua, they are far from inert materials.

“Pellets are persistent, widely dispersed, readily ingested by wildlife, and capable of transporting hazardous chemicals,” she explained, noting that they can absorb and release toxic substances across oceans.

Sri Lanka’s experience with the X-Press Pearl disaster, in 2021, highlighted these dangers on an unprecedented scale. The burning container ship released vast quantities of chemicals and billions of plastic pellets into the sea, causing widespread marine contamination and severe economic losses to coastal communities.

Hemantha Withanage, Chairperson of the Centre for Environmental Justice in Sri Lanka, said the disaster exposed major gaps in international maritime regulation.

“After studying the aftermath of the X-Press Pearl disaster, it is impossible to argue that plastic pellets are harmless cargo,” Withanage stressed. “The impacts in Sri Lanka were immediate, widespread, and long-lasting. Stronger international regulation is essential to prevent this from happening again.”

Under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the intentional discharge of plastics is banned. However, scientists argue that current rules are inadequate when it comes to preventing or responding to accidental spills, especially those involving container ships.

The researchers are urging the IMO to assign plastic pellets a specific United Nations classification number. Such recognition would formally acknowledge their environmental hazard potential and trigger stricter requirements for packaging, labelling, and emergency notification during shipping.

Dr. Therese Karlsson, lead author of the commentary and Science Advisor for the IPEN, said the scientific case is clear.

“There are decades of studies highlighting threats from plastic pellets released into the oceans, including risks to marine animals and the food chain,” she said. “Plastics contain thousands of chemicals, many known to cause harm to the environment and human health. It is past time for global regulations to protect our oceans.”

The European Union has recently introduced measures aimed at preventing pellet losses throughout the supply chain, and in 2021 the IMO committed to addressing pellet pollution as part of broader efforts to reduce marine plastic litter. Yet experts warn that without binding global action, pellet spills will continue.

For Sri Lanka, still recovering from one of the worst maritime environmental disasters in its history, the international call carries particular urgency.

Scientists say the message from the island nation’s experience is unmistakable: plastic pellets must no longer be treated as ordinary cargo, but as hazardous materials demanding strict global oversight.

By Ifham Nizam


Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM

Published

1 hour ago

on

2026/03/26

By

The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Conference serves as the flagship event of the five-day Regional Programme on “Transforming TVET for a Digital, Green, and Inclusive Economy” (23-27 March 2026), which continues throughout the week, bringing together representatives from CPSC member countries including Bhutan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, fostering high-level dialogue and knowledge sharing on climate-resilient and green skills development.

The Conference features technical and plenary sessions on climate-responsive TVET systems, green skills development, national policy frameworks, and emerging technologies shaping industry transformation.

Addressing at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills in addressing climate change and shaping a sustainable future.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that this transformation remains a national priority for Sri Lanka. She stressed that education must go beyond knowledge dissemination to empower individuals with opportunities, dignity, and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.

She further emphasized the need to integrate environmental sustainability into education and training systems by embedding green skills in curricula, investing in modern training facilities, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration between training institutions and emerging green industries.

Highlighting the importance of ensuring equity the Prime Minister further stated, that opportunities arising from the green transition must be accessible to all, including youth, young women, people with special needs, and marginalized communities.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to working closely with regional and international partnerships, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transforming them to actual benefits and partnerships.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education  Nalaka Kaluwewa, Additional Secretary (Vocational Training) Ms. Samanthi Senanayake Director General Colombo Plan Staff College Prof. Dr. Suresh K. Dhameja , TVET administrators, institutional leaders, policymakers, instructors, industry representatives, and international delegates from across the region and seniors officials and officials from Ministries.

(Prime Minister’s Media division)

Continue Reading

News

PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University

Published

2 hours ago

on

2026/03/26

By

A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister inquired into the progress made by the committee in relation to the establishment of the Nursing University and paid attention to the issues and views presented by the committee members.

Emphasizing that establishing a university is a long-term and complex process, the Prime Minister pointed out the importance of advancing this project in line with higher education standards, without hasty decisions, while also taking into account the existing conflicts and challenges within the university system.

The meeting was attended by the Vice Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor K. L. Wasantha Kumara, representatives of the All Ceylon Nurses’ Association, and officials from the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Continue Reading

Latest News

Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts

Published

11 hours ago

on

2026/03/26

By

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of  Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 25 March 2026, valid for 26 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

Continue Reading

Trending