The Ocean Cleanup project tries to collect plastic

Plastic pollution in our oceans has become a global crisis, causing significant harm to marine life and ecosystems. In response, various organizations and initiatives have emerged to address this issue. One such initiative is The Ocean Cleanup project, a non-profit organization founded by Dutch inventor Boyan Slat in 2013. The project aims to develop advanced technologies to remove and prevent plastic debris from accumulating in the world’s oceans.

The Ocean Cleanup project has gained significant attention and support due to its revolutionary approach. Instead of using boats and nets to actively capture plastic debris, the project employs passive cleanup systems that take advantage of ocean currents to collect plastic passively. This method is not only more cost-effective but also less harmful to wildlife.

The centerpiece of The Ocean Cleanup project is the “Interceptor,” a specially designed autonomous watercraft that can extract plastic debris from rivers before it reaches the ocean. Rivers are considered the primary source of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, with an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic waste flowing into our seas annually. By strategically placing Interceptors in strategically selected rivers, the project aims to prevent plastic from entering the oceans in the first place.

Once plastic pollution reaches the oceans, The Ocean Cleanup deploys its main technology, known as “System 001,” also referred to as “Wilson.” This system is a floating, U-shaped device with a 600-meter-long curtain beneath it. The curtain acts as a passive collection net, concentrating and capturing plastic debris as it drifts along with the ocean currents. The floating device is designed to move slower than the plastic debris, allowing it to accumulate within the U-shaped structure.

The collected plastic is periodically removed from the device by support vessels and then transported to shore for recycling. The Ocean Cleanup project has partnered with various recycling companies to ensure that the collected plastic is properly processed and repurposed. The goal is to turn the collected plastic waste into valuable products, reducing the demand for new plastic production.

Since its launch, The Ocean Cleanup project has faced both successes and challenges. In October 2019, the first full-scale deployment of System 001, referred to as “System 001/B,” was carried out in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the largest accumulation zone of plastic debris in the world’s oceans. The system successfully captured and retained plastic waste, demonstrating its potential effectiveness.

However, the project has also encountered technical and operational issues. The initial system, known as “System 001,” failed to retain the collected plastic due to design flaws and difficulties with maintaining consistent tension in the collection boom. These setbacks have since been used as learning opportunities, and the project has made significant improvements in subsequent versions.

The Ocean Cleanup project’s commitment to innovation and progress is noteworthy. They actively collaborate with a range of experts from various disciplines, such as oceanography, engineering, and marine biology, to continually refine their technologies and improve their efficiency. They are also actively working towards new deployments and technological advancements to ensure the scalability and sustainability of their operations.

The fight against plastic pollution in our oceans is an ongoing battle, but initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup project provide hope for a cleaner and healthier future. With continued support, innovation, and global awareness, we can collectively make a significant difference in protecting our oceans from plastic debris and preserving the well-being of marine life and ecosystems.