Dutch teenager invents solar energy marine recycling ship


Bojan Slater


The central feature of the project is a clean recycling ship designed in the shape of an arrow.


These floating barriers are equipped with solar and tidal power systems to ensure sustainable operation.

Human activity has led to increasing environmental pollution, particularly in our oceans. The accumulation of plastic waste not only threatens marine life but also poses risks to shipping and food safety. To address this issue, 19-year-old Dutch student Bojan Slater introduced an innovative solution: a massive ocean garbage collector capable of cleaning up 20 billion tons of seawater over five years.

Slater, from Delft University of Technology, has been working on this project since 2012. His concept involves a fleet of clean recycling ships equipped with floating screens that resemble arrows. These ships intercept floating plastic debris, guiding it toward collection points on either side of the vessel. The collected waste is then stored at the back of the ship. The floating barriers are made from durable materials that float easily and resist damage. Importantly, they do not trap marine life, allowing plankton and fish to pass safely through.

Current efforts by governments to tackle ocean pollution often require significant resources without proportionate results. Slater's project, however, promises low operational costs after the initial investment. The ships run on solar and tidal energy, achieving self-sufficiency while generating revenue through the sale of recycled plastics—potentially bringing in $500 million annually.

On his website, Slater shared his vision: "Though this idea is still untested, I believe that if these clean ships are deployed across the world’s oceans, they could remove most of the plastic waste within five years." He also encourages people to focus on recycling and reduce the use of plastic packaging.

With this groundbreaking plan, Slater has received numerous innovation awards. He has now launched the “Ocean Cleanup Fund” and is seeking partners to help bring the project to life. (Huang Yanfang)

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