SOL and CleanSea - For The Ocean

Marine debris is one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing our oceans today and it's a global problem.
Along Sweden’s west coast alone, the equivalent of five full bathtubs of plastic washes up every hour. That adds up to approximately 700 tonnes of plastic waste each year. 

The Ocean Matters – For the Planet, People, and Future Generations

The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and plays a vital role in sustaining life and regulating the climate, both in the water and on land. Without the ocean, life as we know it would not exist.

• Oxygen for life: The ocean produces over half of the planet’s oxygen, making it the Earth’s largest “lungs.”
• Climate regulation: It absorbs excess heat from greenhouse gases and captures about one-third of human-made carbon dioxide, helping to slow climate change.
• Biodiversity: It is home to an extraordinary range of life, from coral reefs to deep-sea ecosystems, supporting ecological balance and resilience.
• Cultural connection: The ocean has always been a bridge between communities, fostering connection, cooperation, and cultural exchange.
• Global economy: It sustains industries, jobs, and livelihoods for billions of people. Most global trade depends on shipping, making the ocean essential to economic stability.

In short: the ocean matters - for all life on Earth.

An Ocean Under Pressure

Despite its importance, the ocean is under increasing pressure. Marine debris, habitat degradation, and rising temperatures are placing immense strain on marine ecosystems, with negative effects on communities and maritime trade.

Cleaning the ocean isn’t just about appearances, it’s about restoring habitats, preserving biodiversity, and protecting the ocean’s ability to sustain life, industry, and coastal communities.

Plastic is the most common type of marine debris. It breaks down very slowly and poses a long-term threat to marine life. Most marine debris originates on land and reaches the ocean through rivers, stormwater, and wind.

Regardless of where it comes from or how it got there - it needs to be removed.

100 For The Ocean – CleanSea

Marine debris is a societal challenge that demands collective action. Individuals, industries, and communities all have a role to play in protecting the ocean - and in cleaning up after ourselves.

CleanSea has identified 100 of the most vulnerable bays along Sweden’s west coast. Through the 100 For The Ocean - project, these bays can be adopted to ensure they are maintained and kept clean year-round.

CleanSea is a Swedish organization with a clear and compelling mission: to remove plastic and marine debris from our oceans, piece by piece. Their work shows how grassroots commitment can drive meaningful change. The team is purpose-driven, with a deep love for the ocean and a strong environmental commitment. 

Why This Matters to SOL

The ocean is central to our operations, our identity, and our values at SOL. As a maritime logistics company, we depend on healthy oceans, not only for sustainable transport but also for the long-term resilience of global trade and the communities it supports.

What makes this collaboration truly meaningful is the passion and dedication of the people behind it. We believe in their mission, trust their approach, and are proud to stand alongside them. For SOL, this is more than a project, it’s a commitment to protecting the ocean through local action with global impact.

The waste found in our oceans is a result of human activity. And with that comes responsibility: to clean up after ourselves and prevent further pollution. Supporting initiatives like this is part of taking ownership of that responsibility. It’s an investment in a broader movement, one that promotes environmental responsibility, social sustainability, and long-term economic balance.

Together for the Ocean

CleanSea and the 100 For The Ocean initiative are both vital and inspiring. As a first step, SOL has adopted bays on three islands in the archipelago of Gothenburg, ensuring these areas are cleaned, and kept clean.
For SOL, this is a partnership rooted in shared values and a common goal: a cleaner ocean and a more sustainable future - environmentally, socially, and economically.

CleanSea’s goal is to have all 100 bays adopted and maintained by the end of 2025.

We hope more companies will join the initiative - A hands-on way to make a real difference.
 - To our colleagues, friends, and partners in the maritime industry: can we lead the way in adopting the most bays?

Visit CleanSea to learn more or contact them at info@cleansea.co - Every bay counts.

100 For The Oceans is one way to support CleanSea, visit the website for more options. 

Photo: CleanSea