07/10/2026
Plastic pellet recovery: next phase of response
The Port of Tyne is moving into the next phase of its recovery work following the release of plastic pellets from the cargo vessel BG Orange in July. We remain committed to recovering pellets and continuing our work on the River Tyne.
Since the incident on 19 July, our team and specialist partners have been working on the river and along affected coastlines to recover pellets where they have been found and monitor for any further deposits.
The amount of pellets being collected has reduced considerably since the incident. The latest recovery figures, alongside scientific and technical advice from the Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC), have helped shape the next phase of the operation.
Following recent changes to recovery operations along the coastlines, the Port team will continue daily monitoring and collection on the River Tyne. Ambipar, our specialist environmental response partner, will continue its on-water activity until Sunday 11 October, supporting the transition to the Port’s team leading daily operations, while remaining available to provide specialist support as required.
Ambipar has advised on the equipment needed for our team to continue the work, and the Port has acquired this equipment. Additional specialist recovery support will be provided with Ambipar around the spring tides on 28 October and 9 November, when previous tides have shown that pellets can move and new concentrations can appear.
Thank you to everyone, including the volunteers who have supported the recovery effort and reported sightings so far. If you spot any further concentrations of plastic pellets in the river, please let us know so we can pass the information directly to our team on the water.
Report sightings by email at [email protected] or call 07483 579324.
Read the full update: https://www.portoftyne.co.uk/news-and-media/news/port-of-tyne-continues-recovery-as-response-enters-next-phase