Inventors from Sussex have developed a concept of solar and wind-powered boat, SeaVax, that can suck up plastic waste.
A proof of concept at the government-funded Innovate U.K. show in London late last year has been provided by the Bluebird Marine Systems. The company has built a 1:20 scale proof of concept model, and the full-size will be the world’s largest vacuum cleaner.
SeaVax:
- The vessel will be 44 meters (144 feet) long, and will have a suction head some 13.5 meters (44 foot) wide.
- It will be fully autonomous.
- Deck-mounted solar panels and two wind turbines will feed power to electric pumps and filters which helps to suck plastic solids and micro plastics.
- The plastic is stored in a cargo hold capable of holding around 150 tons ready for disposal and recycling on shore.
- An onboard shredder will help to break up the larger pieces.
- SeaVax can be equipped with an oil spill recovery module as an accessory item or as the main function.
The concept has gained attention from the people of India for a clean-up solution for the Ganges River. Also, Nigeria and Australia have shown interest to adapt it for oil cleanup operations.
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Video: UPHIGH Productions on YouTube
Source: Bluebird