Solution Scope: Litter collection systems from the sea / rivers (Vessel)

Target Contaminant: Plastics & Others  (Multiple)

Solution Provider or Contact Point: Ocean Cleaner Technology  

Project: OC-Tech – Innovative Vessel for Cleaning-Up Activities in Marine and Fluvial Environments

ITS Description: The OC-Tech vessel is a cutting-edge catamaran constructed from aluminium and classified as an offshore port service vessel with versatile capabilities. It serves as both a transportation vessel for passengers and cargo, as well as a cleaning vessel equipped with a patented system for collecting pollutants and floating marine debris. The vessel is powered by two main propulsion units located at the rear of each hull, along with auxiliary thruster units situated in the bows. OC-Tech is designed to effectively gather various types of marine litter, including oil spills, microalgae, microplastics, and plastic waste and packaging. It has the capacity to recover up to 15 tons per hour of hydrocarbon spills, with a separation rate of 70-80%, without creating emulsions that would require additional effort to separate water and hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the vessel’s cleaning and bagging system allows for continuous collection and storage of the recovered pollutants and litter, eliminating the need to return to port for offloading. It is capable of operating at speeds of up to 4 knots in open sea, ports, inshore areas, and rivers, even in challenging conditions up to Beaufort scale 6. Additionally, the vessel can be customized and equipped with specific tools to meet the unique needs of each client.

Correspondence with BMM OIR (sectoral priorities, R&I activities, gaps, needs): The versatility and customization opportunity of the ITS makes it an innovative technology covering R&I gaps for the need of new collection schemes and technology for all main kinds of pollutants, particularly for floating boat systems. It provides a solution to multiple policy challenges and sectors of the BMM OIR, e.g. the need for new collection technologies for wastewater and solid waste management.