Most sustainability initiatives on board don’t fail because of bad intentions. They fail because of habits.
The maritime industry is making major strides in reducing single-use plastics — from packaging to food containers and, of course, bottled water. Yet even with a certified water system in place, plastic bottles often make a comeback. Why? Because old routines die hard, especially at sea.
The psychology of convenience
Life on board is a world of its own. Long hours, remote conditions, and a strong reliance on routine. If your crew is used to grabbing a cold plastic bottle from the fridge, simply installing a bottle filling station won’t change that behavior overnight.
They might wonder:
Is the new system safe?
Where do I get a bottle?
Why are we doing this anyway?
The answers may be obvious to management, but not to those living and working on board. If the crew doesn’t feel involved or informed, sustainable changes often stay cosmetic or short-lived.
From system to habit: how to bridge the gap
A successful transition to plastic-free drinking water starts with more than just technology. It requires three things: trust, access, and ownership.
- Trust in the quality and safety of the water is essential. Especially in countries where bottled water is the norm, adequate training for the crew helps mitigate doubts and fears.
- Access means having water stations in the right locations, with intuitive design, fast cooling and hygienic operation — so there’s no reason to go back to bottles.
- Ownership is about empowering the crew to embrace and maintain the change. When the new system becomes part of the daily routine, sustainable behavior follows naturally.
What works in practice?
At Hatenboer-Water, we’ve seen that technical solutions are only part of the equation. That’s why our Plastic Free @Sea approach combines hardware with onboard training, communication tools and branded reusable bottles — all designed to support long-term change.
Our clients tell us this combination makes all the difference. From higher adoption rates to enthusiastic crew feedback, behavior really does follow structure. As long as that structure is built for the real-life challenges of life at sea.
Make it last
Want to reduce single-use plastics for good? Start with safe, trusted drinking water and support your crew in making the switch.
👉 Learn more about Plastic Free @Sea
Or get in touch to explore the behavioral side of sustainable change.
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