Search for any green Service

Find green products from around the world in one place

Interceptor Series production to start

Interceptor Series production to start
  • The Ocean Cleanup has partnered with Konecranes to series produce Interceptors
  • This partnership prepares The Ocean Cleanup for global Interceptor scale-up
  • New design updates improve efficiency for operations and mass production
  • Two Interceptors with these design changes are being built in tandem, in Malaysia right now

To rapidly address the urgent problem of plastic pollution, we must deploy Interceptors on an industrial scale, but we cannot do this by ourselves. Today, we announced that we are partnering with Konecranes to handle manufacturing and series production of Interceptors in their MHE-Demag facilities in Malaysia – with two in production right now. Over the last year and a half, we have gained valuable insights into the Interceptor technology and, together with Konecranes’ MHE-Demag, we have made updates to the design that improve its operational and manufacturing efficiency.

 

Interceptors 005 and 006 being manufactured side by side at Konecranes’ MHE-Demag

 

INTERCEPTOR DESIGN UPDATES

Laying the groundwork for global scaleup, Interceptors 005 and 006 are currently being built simultaneously at Konecranes’ MHE-Demag facility in Klang, Malaysia and are expected to be completed in May 2021. These two Interceptors will be different from the 1st and 2nd generations deployed in Jakarta, Indonesia; Klang, Malaysia; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Because we have chosen an iterative design path, we continually learn about our technology in real-time and adjust the technology. This process is ongoing so that we are always learning, adapting, and iterating. The 3rd generation is the result of knowledge gained from these deployments to help improve its collection efficiency and ease of production. The key updates to the next Interceptors are:

  • Conveyor belt: The conveyor belt is now 2.5 meters (1.6x wider). The expanded width allows for a less obstructive flow and better distribution to the dumpsters.
  • Barge and dumpsters: To adapt to the new conveyor belt width, the barge and the six dumpsters inside the Interceptor are now widened as well, which makes transfer from conveyor to dumpster easier and more effective.
  • Power and energy system: The new Interceptor design features improved monocrystalline solar cell panels and a smart energy storage system, which is smaller but still meets the 100% solar energy demand required to operate the Interceptor.
  • Catamaran Structure: This updated version features a new frame and catamaran structure built from the ground up. The modular design is specifically designed to facilitate containerization and swift deployment globally.

 

Preliminary visual representation of Interceptor front view – 2nd Gen in the back and 3rd Gen in the front.

 

WHY KONECRANES IS OUR CHOSEN PARTNER

Konecranes is renowned for its market-leading technology and service in material handling and lifting products. Its engineering and design expertise, along with its global service network, will enable them to assemble and install Interceptors around the world. Moving forward, Konecranes will handle Interceptor manufacturing, installation, and maintenance; local partners will oversee operations, and The Ocean Cleanup will continue to act as the technology and best practices provider, lead business development for upcoming Interceptor projects, and further conduct scientific research.

 

GOING GLOBAL

Our aim is to address the 1000 most polluting rivers around the world to achieve our goal of clean oceans. Because we are a small team, we could not do this alone – and we never planned to. Thanks to partnerships like Konecranes we can benefit from their manufacturing expertise and global footprint while we continue to develop our technology. Interceptors 005 and 006 are expected to be completed in May 2021 with one more in the lineup for LA County.

 


 

Source The Ocean Cleanup

Farmers and the environment to benefit from ground-breaking alliance that will increase Australia’s biodiversity in farming landscapes

Farmers and the environment to benefit from ground-breaking alliance that will increase Australia’s biodiversity in farming landscapes
Landcare Australia is proud to announce a three-year partnership with iconic Australian brand Country Road who have committed $600,000 over three years to support the conservation of Australian farming landscapes.
This unique partnership will come to life through biodiversity restoration projects across Australian farmlands, with support from the Australian cotton industry.
The initial project will be implemented by the Kahl family in the Namoi Valley, NSW—a region significantly affected by biodiversity loss and in need of restoration. Prominent third generation cotton farmers, the Kahl family will participate in the program by revegetating a river system that flows through their property. Benefits of the project will include increased habitat and shelter for native animals, reduced erosion along the river bank, improved water quality and enhanced biodiversity.
Research findings from ‘Management of Biodiversity in the Cotton Landscape: Iconic and Threatened Species’, a report developed by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation with support from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program Smart Farming Partnership Initiative Round 1, have been used to identify regions and projects that best support environmental outcomes.
Landcare Australia will receive funding for the project as a result of Country Road contributing a minimum of $600,000 to the partnership over three years, via a corporate contribution and funds raised through the sale of its famous Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweats. The funding will provide Landcare Australia with the means to conduct multiple biodiversity projects in the region and invite more Australian farmers to participate in the program.
By purchasing a Country Road Verified Australian Cotton Heritage Sweat, customers can actively support farmers in regenerating Australian landscapes.
Country Road Managing Director, Elle Roseby, says “As an iconic Australian brand, Country Road has a role to play in protecting what matters and using our platform to benefit Australia’s natural landscapes. By partnering with such a renowned environmental organisation, we hope to support the incredible efforts of Australian farmers, whose life’s work depends on having an intimate understanding of changing environmental needs.
Landcare Australia shares Country Road’s deep appreciation for what makes our backyard so special. Their vision of ‘All Australians caring for the land and water that sustain us’ is one that resonates, more so than ever, with both Country Road the brand and our wider community.” said Elle.
Landcare Australia CEO, Dr Shane Norrish, says “Landcare Australia is very proud to launch this partnership with Country Road to develop projects focused on biodiversity conservation with cotton farmers. The projects will help to restore local ecosystems and contribute to the sustainable management and productivity of the landscape.”
“The partnership with Country Road is a powerful example of how Landcare Australia brings together organisations to work on projects that will have a meaningful impact for farmers, the environment and the local community. We are very pleased to be working with Country Road and the Australian cotton industry on biodiversity projects that will protect habitat for a range of native plants and animals, including threatened species.”
The Australian cotton industry has played a supporting role in this partnership by providing the findings of its research to inform priority areas for biodiversity restoration in cotton farming landscapes, identifying farmers to participate in the program and working with them to develop on-ground projects that deliver benefits to the natural environment.
“Protecting and improving biodiversity in cotton landscapes is a key focus for the industry. This partnership will accelerate these efforts, showcase the benefits of improving biodiversity to other cotton farmers and provide a lasting legacy for our farms, communities and the natural environment,” Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said.
The Landcare Australia partnership follows a number of recent milestones for Country Road, including scientifically verified Australian fibres, achieving 5 Star Green Star rated stores through the Green Building Council and the launch of Our World—an online platform dedicated to sharing the brand’s sustainability journey with the wider community.

Source: Eco Voice