An initiative to replace polluting plastic water bottles on ships with recyclable paper cartons has won the backing of several well-established shipping figures in Norway.

A new water bottling plant is being developed in Brevik, on the coast two hours drive southwest of Oslo, to make the new product for export worldwide.

Among those behind the project is director Alf Andersen from leading multipurpose owner Oslo Bulk, and veteran shipowner John Hatleskog who is today the partner in Sole Shipping Group.