The World’s first high-sea plastic waste collecting vessel has been unveiled at the invention show held in Geneva.
The vessel named ‘The Manta’ is equipped with a total deck surface about the size of a football pitch and it is capable of collecting large quantities of macro plastic waste floating on oceans.
Vessel under construction
The vessel is under construction phase and is touted to be 70 meters long, 49 meters wide and 61 meters high, is based on the latest innovative technologies in the field of clean self-sufficient energy, and has an optimized maneuverability allowing her to rapidly reach highly polluted areas whether at sea, along coast lines or in estuaries.
Innovative propulsion system
According to project manager Marc Lebrun said, “The vessel will be featuring an innovative hybrid propulsion system consisting of wind power, solar energy and Dyna-Rigg sails. Two Darrieus wind generators produce 500Kw/h to propel its electric engines and refuel the batteries on board that benefit from an optimized energy storage system”.
Segregation and collection onboard
The vessel is equipped with an onboard factory designated to collect, sort, compact and store plastic waste. A unique collection system, including two collectors in the vessel’s hulls, is designed to provide an innovative and efficient solution to bring waste rapidly on board.
Data shared with global community
To improve the prevention of waste reaching oceans, “The Manta” will also be equipped with a scientific laboratory to allow for the geolocation, quantification and qualification of waste. The data will be shared with the international community as open data.
“The Manta” is part of the association “The SeaCleaners,” created in 2016 by Swiss skipper and adventurer Yvan Bourgnon who was “shocked by the amount of plastic waste polluting the seas.”
The vessel will be capable of collecting and processing nearly 10 tons of plastic wastes per day, or a total of 250 tons in a complete mission lasting about 25 days, said Lebrun. The boat will be equipped with 40 crew members, including 8 to operate the boat and the rest 32 working in the factory on board.
Attracts sponsorship from various sectors
Comparing with the boat’s manufacturing cost of about 30 million euros (about 37 million U.S. dollars), Lebrun revealed an even ambitious plan of producing some 100 such giant boats in the future, as the project has so far attracted sponsorship from numerous private companies, NGOs and foundations, but also the attention of governments.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Xinhuanet
