The world's first plastic ship is about to sail

"Flip-Flopi", the world's first ship made of plastic, will usher in its maiden sail by the end of January. It will depart from Lamu Island in Kenya and arrive at Zanzibar Island in Tanzania after sailing for 500 kilometers.

People push Flip-Flopi, the first dhow boat made entirely of recycled plastic into the water, as it takes its first voyage sail, after the launch ceremony on the island of Lamu, Kenya, September 15, 2018.[Photo via IC/Baz Ratner]

The ship is 9 meters in length and is made of 10 tons of discarded plastic. The body of the ship is covered by more than 20,000 colorful soles of flip-flops by craftsmen. The flip-flops are found on the beaches of Lamu Island, the most discarded plastic products found on the beach.

The 500-kilometer maiden sail has received full support of the UN Environment Agency in its quest to bring public awareness to the pollution problem of plastics in the ocean. The ship is expected to arrive in Stone Town of Zanzibar on Feb. 7 and will participate in a local music festival being held to draw attention to marine plastic pollution through music and culture.