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A new initiative, SeaClear2.0, aims to tackle the growing problem of marine litter that sinks to the ocean floor, an area largely overlooked by traditional ocean cleanup efforts. While many initiatives focus on collecting floating debris, SeaClear2.0 specifically targets submerged waste, which poses significant environmental hazards as it breaks down into microplastics.
Led by Bart De Schutter, a professor at Delft University of Technology, SeaClear2.0 operates under the European Union’s Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters. This mission aims to reduce marine litter by 50% by 2030. The project recognizes that debris on the seabed can contaminate marine ecosystems and potentially enter food chains, making its removal a priority.
The innovative cleanup operation employs a fleet of autonomous robots. It begins with uncrewed surface vessels that scout designated areas while aerial drones survey the seabed to pinpoint litter. These drones identify various types of debris—including bottles, tires, and metal fencing—before underwater robots are deployed for the actual collection. These robots are equipped to differentiate between litter and natural underwater features, ensuring efficient and precise recovery.
One notable feature of SeaClear2.0 is the use of an autonomous barge that acts as a floating depot, collecting waste from the drones and transporting it back to shore. This approach reduces the need for divers and manual labor, making the cleanup process faster and more cost-effective.
Initial tests of the technology have been conducted in Marseille and Germany, with upcoming trials planned in Venice, Dubrovnik, and Tarragona. These locations will provide diverse seabed conditions to further refine the system. The project is set to conclude in late 2026, with the goal of establishing permanent cleanup crews in collaboration with local authorities across Europe.
In addition to its primary mission, SeaClear2.0 is also exploring the potential of its detection systems for locating unexploded mines on the seabed, highlighting an unexpected benefit of the technology. The ongoing development of SeaClear2.0 represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of underwater litter and its impact on marine environments.
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