Canned water to replace single-use plastic bottles at Steamship Authority snack bars

FALMOUTH (November 15, 2022) – The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority is pleased to announce that its longtime hospitality partner, Sodexo Live!, will phase out drinking water in plastic bottles and begin carrying Open Water canned water at all the Authority’s snack bar locations.

The switch to a resealable 16-ounce can comes as a number of the Authority’s port communities have curtailed or banned the sale of water in single-use plastic products. It also aligns with the efforts of Sodexo Live!, formerly called Centerplate, to curtail the impact of single-use plastics on the global supply chain. The canned water will roll out over the next few weeks.

“More than ever, people are aware of the impact plastic is having on our planet and bodies,” Open Water Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Jess Page said. “It’s really meaningful that Sodexo Live! and the Steamship Authority are making this switch to Open Water. They are really standing up as champions for the ocean and environment.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Open Water to introduce their cans to Steamship Authority guests,” said Sodexo Live! Regional Vice President Ryan Cummings. “Not only is it a high-quality product, but we look forward to making the switch to phase out single-use plastics and to take our offerings to the next level in terms of sustainability.”

“All of us at the Steamship Authority remain committed to pursuing the most environmentally friendly operations possible, and this is a significant step in that direction,” said Steamship Authority General Manager Robert B. Davis. “We are pleased that Sodexo Live! and Open Water are collaborating to make this important sustainability effort a reality.”

Open Water is on a mission to fight ocean plastic pollution. The company pioneered the canned water category and offers still and sparkling water in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles and cans, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. Open Water became the world’s first certified Climate Neutral water brand and donates a portion of each sale to ocean conservation non-profits working towards their #moreoceanlessplastic mission. The company is a certified Women-Owned business (WBENC).

Sodexo Live! manages prestigious conference, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services. Along with the Steamship Authority, the company provides food services to Washington State Ferries, as well as prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games.

Since 1960, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has served as the transportation lifeline to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard year round. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the islands and offers the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles, groups and trucks. In 2021, more than 2.7 million passengers and more than 700,000 vehicles were transported to and from the islands. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews are committed to the highest level of safety at sea while our vessels offer comfort and convenience with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and TV on board.

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