Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

The Ocean Cleanup proves viability of technology with System 002

by The Ocean Cleanup 21 Oct 2021 04:20 PDT
Successful trials lead to commencement of cleanup operations with return to infamous garbage patch © The Ocean Cleanup

The Ocean Cleanup, the non-profit developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, announces proof of technology upon returning to Victoria Harbour with trash collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

With this confirmation the organization will immediately return to the infamous gyre to start cleaning the ocean's largest accumulation of plastic debris. Eight years after its founding and three years since launching its first cleanup system, the organization has effectively harvested plastic with a scalable ocean cleanup design. The Ocean Cleanup has ended its testing campaigns in the gyre, shifting its focus to cleanup; while, simultaneously, initiating the development of the larger, upgraded System 003, which is expected to be the blueprint design for scaling to a fleet of systems.

"Today, I am most proud of the team and supporters for their dedication and perseverance that brought us to this moment," says Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup. "Getting here was not always easy, but we remained focused on our mission and its necessity. While it's just the tip of the iceberg, these kilograms are the most important ones we will ever collect, because they are proof that cleanup is possible. We still have a lot of things to iron out, but one thing we know now is that, with a small fleet of these systems, we can clean this up."

Throughout the years of developing this novel ocean technology, The Ocean Cleanup has continually improved on its cleanup design, working towards a fleet of systems capable of eradicating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With System 002, also known as "Jenny," it has successfully achieved this confirmation by repeatedly harvesting plastic, from tiny debris fragments to immense ghost nets. From nine test extractions, the organization collected a total of 28,659 kilograms (63,182 pounds) of plastic from the ocean, of which 9,014 kilograms (or 19,872 pounds) was removed in a single haul. To authenticate claims of origin and amount, all harvested plastic is and will be tracked, traced, and verified through certification body DNV using its identity preserved chain of custody model.

In tandem with cleanup operations, development of System 003 will begin. The Ocean Cleanup intends to remain operational with System 002 until deploying System 003. The design of System 003, which at a length of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) is expected to be three times larger, will incorporate some insights collected from the System 002 test campaign. With environmental protection being paramount to all its efforts, the organization will continue environmental monitoring and data collection and moving forward in an environmentally responsible, step-by-step approach. Additionally, all carbon emissions from the System 002 campaign will be offset with the aim of reaching carbon neutrality and, in collaboration with Maersk, the organization is experimenting with low-carbon fuels for support vessels.

"We are proud to support The Ocean Cleanup with offshore and logistics services and expertise as our long-term partnership reaches a significant milestone with the success of the first large-scale clean-up system returning to port with trash collected," says Mette Refshauge, VP Corporate Communications & Sustainability at A.P. Moller - Maersk. "The health of our oceans is vital to ensure a healthy planet and environment for future generations, and we stay committed to doing our part to protect the oceans and its ecosystems."

The design of System 003 is expected to be the blueprint from which the organization can develop a fleet of systems for cleaning the oceans, starting with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Based on findings from previous test campaigns, the organization expects to deploy a fleet of ten systems capable of reducing 50% of the gyre every five years. Meanwhile, its efforts to stop plastic from entering the ocean via rivers will continue with new Interceptor projects planned to begin this year and next.

Toilet seats, toothbrushes, laundry baskets, shoes, crates, sleds, and, discarded fishing gear are just some of the items found in the System 002 haul, proving that this is not just a problem for the ocean, but also a problem from humanity. The Ocean Cleanup invites the world to join them in its mission and help collectively solve ocean plastic pollution. For more information on how to take part, go to theoceancleanup.com.

Related Articles

Finn World Masters in Medemblik Day 2
Pieter-Jan Postma leads after the second day of racing in The Netherlands Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, is leading the fleet of 307 Finns from 27 countries after everyone sailed two more races at the 2025 Finn World Masters in Medemblik. France's Laurent Hay is second with Germany's Fabian Lemmel in third. Posted today at 8:12 pm
World Sailing launches the World Sailing Academy
A new online learning platform for the global sailing community World Sailing officially launched the World Sailing Academy, an innovative new online learning platform designed to provide comprehensive educational resources and training to sailors, coaches, officials, administrators, and the global sailing community. Posted today at 5:13 pm
Sailing and the summer solstice
Celebrating sailing and the longest day of the year If you love long evenings and early mornings, this is one of the best times of the whole year, as the summer solstice (Friday, June 20) and the entire rich expanse of summer are about to burst into bloom. Posted today at 3:00 pm
Erica Lush Completes Bermuda 1-2 Regatta First Leg
While training for the Solitaire Du Figaro Rhode Island sailor Erica Lush completed the first leg of the Bermuda 1-2 regatta as the only woman skipper in the fleet. Lush sailed solo from Newport to Bermuda, handling a boat new to her, and rough sea state. Posted today at 1:30 pm
Susan Widmann Sinclair Women's Championship
Winning this year's event was a very accomplished skipper, Carmen Cowles and her team The biennial running of Noroton Yacht Club's Susan Widmann Sinclair Women's Championship, presented by Fairfield County Bank, just finished a second wild and wooly event, thanks again to Mother Nature. Posted today at 11:12 am
Video Review: The Amazing Cure 55
Composite Construction meets Cruising Convenience It was two years ago at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show that I talked to Dave Biggar about his ideas and plans for the Cure 55. At the 2025 show I got to step on board the yacht and see how his ideas became reality. Posted today at 4:39 am
2025 GL52 Big Red Regatta overall
Katana prevails, Wizard finished second The 2025 edition of the GL52 Big Red Regatta is now in the books. John Huhn's KATANA continued its winning ways on Day 3 to wrap-up first place overall with just 12 pts. Posted on 16 Jun
Conrads, Bell win 505 Pacific Coast Championship
A single point victory at Bellingham Yacht Club After three days and 11 races, AJ Conrads and Jon Bell captured the 505 Pacific Coast Championship by one point, narrowly besting former World Champion and Long Beach legend Howie Hamlin and crew Jeff Nelson. Posted on 16 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik Day 1
Eight races over two course areas in four groups with four different winners Racing at the 2025 Finn World Masters began in Medemblik, The Netherlands, on Monday with eight races over two course areas in four groups. Posted on 16 Jun
The Ocean Race will return to Itajaí, Brazil
During the 2027 and 2031 around the world races The Ocean Race confirms Itajaí, in Santa Catarina state, in Brazil will once again host the world's most iconic around-the-world yacht race in April, 2027 and again in 2031, in a two-edition hosting partnership. Posted on 16 Jun
C-Tech 2020 Battens 2 728x90 BOTTOMSwitch One DesignHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range