Technip Energies is supporting a pioneering new vessel designed to tackle the growing ecological concern of plastic waste discarded around the world’s coasts and in the ocean.
Our engineering teams are helping with the development of technologies for a giant catamaran, the Manta, that will collect waste offshore. The plastic waste in the water is collected, sorted and either brought back to land for recycling or converted into energy on the boat.
Two smaller accompanying boats will collect the waste and hydrocarbons in more inaccessible areas. The vessel is scheduled to begin operating in 2024. It will be fitted with wind turbines, solar panels and hydro generators to minimize the use of fossil fuels.
Our work on the project includes technical support on how to maximize the collection of waste through reliable equipment and how to select the best plastic treatment processing scheme. We are also exploring how we can expand our work on the development program and be part of the detailed engineering execution.
The vessel will be able to accommodate 34 people, including scientists, and will process between 5,000 and 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year. It will operate mainly in estuaries of large rivers and along the coastal waters of Africa, Asia, and North America.
The Manta project is being overseen by The SeaCleaners, an association formed in 2016 by the veteran sailor and adventurer Yvan Bourgnon. His eventual aim is to build a fleet of such vessels.