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Tag: aqua-drone

RanMarine & Love Boat srl at Ecomondo 2025

3/11/2025

Join Us at Ecomondo Rimini: Live WasteShark Demonstrations 4-7 November

We’re excited to be at Ecomondo, the Mediterranean’s premier platform for the circular economy and ecological transition. As Europe’s key meeting point for environmental innovation, it’s the perfect venue to showcase how autonomous technology is protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Live In-Water Demonstrations

See our WasteShark autonomous surface vessels in action, understand how it removes floating waste, algae, and pollutants from the water whilst monitoring real-time water quality metrics. These zero-emission ASVs are already making a difference in marinas, harbours, and calm waterways across Europe.

📍 Location: EAST POOLS/Stand 004 (Dragflow Sud srl booth – we’re the ones in the water!)
📅 4-7 November 2025 ⏰ Daily demos: 10:30, 12:00, 14:30 & 16:00

Partnering for Italy’s Waters

We’re proud to be demonstrating alongside Love Boat srl, our preferred distributor in Italy. Their hands-on experience as dedicated WasteShark users in Southern Italy, combined with their commitment to sustainable tourism, makes them the ideal partner to bring this technology to Italy’s stunning coastlines and inland waterways.

Italy’s coasts and lakes attract tens of millions of visitors each year. Keeping these waters clean and safe requires innovative solutions that work with nature, not against it.

Come see the technology in action. We look forward to meeting you in Rimini!

#Ecomondo #CleanTech #MarineConservation #WasteShark #Innovation #CircularEconomy #SustainableTourism #Italy #AutonomousVessels #WaterQuality

ASVs Featured in TRT World’s NexTech

Autonomous water cleaning in action

We’re proud to share our feature segment from TRT World’s NexTech programme, showcasing how RanMarine’s autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) are tackling water pollution head-on.

Going to the Problem

Rather than waiting at fixed collection points, our robust ASVs actively navigate through harbours, canals, and waterbodies, seeking out and collecting floating debris wherever it accumulates. Remote-controlled or fully autonomous, our technology goes directly to the pollution.

Collection Meets Intelligence

Whilst collecting waste, our vessels simultaneously record GPS-coded water quality data, providing environmental insights alongside physical clean-up capabilities. It’s smart technology working hard to protect our waterways.

RanMarine solution on 𝐓𝐑𝐓 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡

Video credit: TRT World NexTech

Learn More

Discover how RanMarine’s WasteShark and MegaShark are keeping waterways clean worldwide.

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RanMarine Featured in TRT World’s NexTech Programme

Showcasing autonomous water clean-up technology in global broadcast on tackling plastic pollution

Rotterdam, 20 Sept 2025 – RanMarine Technology has been featured in the latest episode of NexTech, TRT World’s technology and innovation programme, highlighting cutting-edge solutions to combat water pollution.

The episode explores how plastic waste is choking rivers, lakes, and oceans worldwide, and profiles the Dutch organisations developing technology to address this growing environmental crisis.

A Collaborative Approach to a Global Challenge

The NexTech feature showcases a complex ecosystem of innovators, each contributing unique capabilities:

  • Deltares investigates how plastic moves through water using their massive Hydrohal research facility
  • Noria | Urban Plastic Soup Solutions deploys barrier systems that capture waste from river flows
  • Nova Innova develops luminescent sensors for real-time water quality monitoring
  • RanMarine Technology provides autonomous surface vessels that actively collect floating debris

The ASV Advantage

Unlike static collection systems, RanMarine’s autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) navigate waterways independently, seeking out and collecting floating debris wherever it accumulates. Our ASVs offer remote-controlled or fully autonomous operation, going directly to the pollution rather than waiting for it to arrive at fixed collection points.

Whilst collecting waste, the vessels simultaneously record GPS-coded water quality data, providing valuable environmental intelligence alongside physical clean-up capabilities.

“The scale of water pollution requires multiple approaches and technologies working together,” said CEO Richard Hardiman. “We’re proud to contribute our autonomous collection capability to this collaborative effort alongside other innovative organisations.”

Watch the Full Feature

𝐓𝐑𝐓 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 episode on plastic waste

The complete NexTech episode is available to watch [above/on our website].

About RanMarine Technology

RanMarine Technology designs and manufactures autonomous surface vessels for water quality improvement and floating waste collection. Our WasteShark and MegaShark vessels operate in harbours, marinas, canals, and other waterbodies worldwide, combining autonomous navigation with data collection to protect aquatic environments.

For more information, visit www.ranmarine.io

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WasteShark Launches in Breda’s Historic Canals

8 Sept 2025 – RanMarine is proud to announce the official launch of our WasteShark autonomous surface vessel in the canals of Breda, Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in our mission to clean waterways using cutting-edge technology.
The launch ceremony took place on Monday 8th September, with Councillor Carla Kranenborg-Van Eerd (Economy and Digitalisation) and Councillor Peter Bakker (Nature Development) officially launching the project in the historic singels (canals) of Breda.

Beyond Waste Collection
The WasteShark deployment in Breda represents more than traditional waste collection. Working alongside educational and business partners, the vessel is being developed into a multifunctional water management tool capable of monitoring water quality and detecting pollution sources.
The project showcases Breda’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, forming part of the city’s robust robotics cluster. Students from Curio and Avans universities are actively involved in developing applications that align with European objectives, including the Water Framework Directive coming into force in 2027.
Robert der Kinderen, Head of Distribution at RanMarine, commented: “We’re pleased and excited to be working with Gemeente Breda in North Brabant. This partnership demonstrates how autonomous technology can address real environmental challenges whilst fostering collaboration between government, education, and industry.”
Councillor Carla Kranenborg-Van Eerd said: “The WasteShark is a beautiful example of how we apply technology in Breda in a way that helps people. We want to be a city where applied technology and creativity contribute to wellbeing, future resilience and economic growth. This project brings together government, entrepreneurs, education and technology. Breda brings it together, and you can literally see that in action here.”
Councillor Peter Bakker highlighted the environmental benefits: “The quality of our water is under pressure, while a healthy and clean living environment is essential for people and nature. With this type of technology, we are taking concrete steps in sustainable maintenance of our city. The WasteShark contributes directly to that.”

The Breda deployment involves key partners including Breda Robotics (project management), Curio and Avans (knowledge development), and Rabobank (financial support for sensor technology).

The WasteShark continues RanMarine’s mission to protect aquatic environments through innovative, sustainable technology solutions.

Councillor Carla Kranenborg-Van Eerd (l) and Councillor Peter Bakker launch the Breda WasteShark

The sharks biting back against pollution

By Inside Marine 2025-04-02

Netherlands-based RanMarine Technology is on a mission to clean up the world’s waters with its innovative autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and collaborative ventures. Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman shared the company’s progress during an in-depth interview with Inside Marine.


RanMarine’s ASVs are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for our waterways. “RanMarine was established in 2016 with a clear mission to rid our waters of plastic,” explained Founder
and CEO Richard Hardiman. “While we began with a focused goal, our technology has since evolved, allowing us to address broader aquatic environmental challenges.”

To view the whole story ⤵️

issuu_InsideMarine_RanMarineTechnology2502Download

RanMarine’s Subscription Model Takes to Yorkshire waters

4/7/24 Leeds, UK – RanMarine is pleased to announce the deployment of our innovative WasteShark in the Leeds Waterfront. In collaboration with Canal Connections, this initiative marks a significant milestone for both RanMarine and the UK’s environmental efforts, leveraging our cutting-edge technology to provide continuous and efficient water cleaning services through a subscription model.

WasteShark Launch in Leeds – 🎦@nationalworldlocaltv – Daily Motion

A Yorkshire First:

– Technological Innovation: The WasteShark features advanced GPS, LIDAR collision avoidance technology, and a camera, making it a state-of-the-art tool for waterway maintenance.

– Data Collection: This initiative will be the first in Yorkshire to systematically record the types and quantities of waste collected.

– Canal Rivers Trust Approval: This project is the first use of such technology approved by the Canal Rivers Trust on Yorkshire waterways.

– Social Impact: Partnering with Canal Connections, this project involves local communities in sustainability efforts.

Support and Collaboration:

The Leeds Waterfront Group, part of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Property and Economic Forum, spearheaded this project with support from local businesses, Leeds City Council, and Leeds Civic Trust. Paul Ellison, Chair of the Leeds Waterfront Group, stated, “We are very pleased to have put this innovative project together. It will generate real benefits for the city and highlight the importance of keeping our waterways clean and attractive.”

Project Supporters and Sponsors:

This initiative is co-funded by several organizations, including Addleshaw Goddard, Biffa Waste Services, Bupa Foundation, CPW, Leeds Creative District, Iseepr, Leeds City Council, Leeds Civic Trust, Mott Macdonald, Vastint UK, VTR North, and Yorkshire Design Group. Canal Connections will manage the WasteShark’s operations, while Biffa Waste Services will handle waste recycling and disposal. KISS Branding has contributed expert design support.

About RanMarine WasteShark:

Inspired by the whale shark, the WasteShark collects up to 500kg of waste per day from the water’s surface. Powered by electric motors, it operates remotely or autonomously, making it an eco-friendly solution for water pollution. RanMarine, headquartered in Rotterdam, specialises in innovative aquatic drones designed to clean and maintain water bodies. This collaboration signifies both a technological solution and a commitment to preserving our waterways for future generations.

WasteShark robot to clean Yorkshire canals and rivers

By Elizabeth Baines, @EKBaines, BBC News

A robotic drone is being used to clean up the waterways in Leeds.

The cutting-edge technology has been developed in the Netherlands and is the first of its kind to be used in Yorkshire in the UK, according to the Leeds Waterfront group.

The robot swims along waterways and can scoop up to 500kg of waste from the surface through a wide mouth, hence it being named the Waste Shark.

The chairman of the Leeds Waterfront Group Paul Ellison said the aim was to “enhance the rivers” in the city, which were often “forgotten about and neglected”.

Mr Ellison said the robot was inspired by a whale shark.

“That has a big wide mouth which it opens to feed, in the same way waste gets caught inside its mouth,” he said.

The drone, called a WasteShark, is powered by electric motors and directed via a remote control from the riverside.

It is equipped with GPS, collision avoidance technology and a camera.

“Everyone wants to see action being taken, waste collects in certain areas in Leeds and there is an amazing amount of wildlife in the river now,” Mr Ellison said.

“We want to prevent any of that being digested by wildlife and also to prevent the rubbish, and to prevent it going further beyond the city and out into the sea.”

He said weekly data would be collected to show how much waste is being removed from the water.

It will also record the types of waste being collected.

The project is also the first use of the technology to be approved by the Canal and Rivers Trust.

Becca Dent, from the charity, said it was important to work in “new” and “innovative ways” to remove litter from the waterways.

“It can be quite challenging, unfortunately millions of pieces of litter end up in our waterways.

“We’ve got birds that live along here, otters, and water voles.

“I’ve seen a moorhen trying to make a nest out of a trolley and crisp packets, so it’s really good to see the waste removed.”

Original story by the BBC > https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy08y3zglklo

US Embassy invests more than US$172 thousand to clean up Lake Ilopango

Written by Alejandra García Ortiz  
Original story translated

The United States Embassy in El Salvador, through its Military Group, invested US$172,722 to clean Lake Ilopango, demonstrating its commitment to protecting this important body of water, which can generate greater attraction for residents and international tourists.

In this sense, the money was used to acquire three “WasteShark” aquatic cleaning drones, which are designed to completely clean the area and guarantee the health of the inhabitants and visitors to the lake.

Likewise, these devices will be used to keep the waters of Lake Ilopango free of garbage and contribute to its preservation. Additionally, this collaboration with the United States Embassy can attract international attention and highlight El Salvador’s efforts to preserve its natural resources.

Likewise, the Minister Counselor, Katherine Dueholm said “A clean lake is not simply a beautiful landscape, but it is also a lifeline for the communities that live nearby. A clean lake ensures the health and well-being of people by being a sustainable source of water for various domestic uses, thus protecting public health.

Investment in cleaning Lake Ilopango can enhance its tourist attraction by improving water quality, ensuring public health, promoting community development and projecting a positive image of El Salvador as a sustainable and responsible tourist destination.



United States Embassy donates aquatic drones to clean Lake Ilopango

The United States Embassy in El Salvador yesterday donated three aquatic cleaning drones, known as “Wasteshark“, to the mayor’s office of San Salvador Este, to keep Lake Ilopango free of solid waste and protect the ecosystem there.

by Mariela Quintanilla

 June 13, 2024

Reading time: 3 mins read   translated from original article as published on https://diarioelsalvador.com/

The donation was delivered by Katherine Dueholm, Minister Counselor of the United States of America Embassy, ​​which entails an investment of $172,722, and was received by Mayor José Chicas.

Dignitories incl Minister Counselor of the United States Embassy, ​​Katherine Dueholm, and the mayor of San Salvador Este, José Chicas, were present at the event

Dueholm expressed that this contribution reaffirms the commitment of the United States Government to supporting the country in environmental sustainability and public health.

“We have all seen how garbage accumulates in Lake Ilopango, how plastic bottles and bags float on the surface, and how these remains damage the environment, that is why this donation is so important because the “Wastesharks” that we are donating can navigate the surface of the lake efficiently collecting garbage so that it does not stay there contaminating the water and endangering the health of Salvadorans,” said Dueholm.

The aquatic drones can move manually up to 500 meters in Lake Ilopango, and autonomously up to 5 kilometers, explained Hernán Ramírez, technician in charge of the drones.

For his part, Mayor José María Chicas explained that the interventions with said equipment in the body of water will begin in the Ilopango sector, and will later move to Joya Grande and Santiago Texacuangos. “These are the areas that are need the most focuse,” he added.

“This is a tool that we had been requesting from the United States embassy for several years, and fortunately, based on the United States Southern Command program, the donation of the three drones became effective,” Chicas explained.

The diplomatic headquarters explained that the drone model delivered yesterday is designed for efficient operations that are based on pre-established mission routes and that ensures complete cleaning of the area.

In addition, the mechanism allows that once the drone collects all the garbage, it can be recycled into the corresponding man-made waste and waste deposits.

According to the mayor of  San Salvador Este, currently cleaning sessions are carried out in Lake Ilopango every 15 days, and with the donation they received they will be able to improve the cleaning work, because this equipment allows the cleaning to be saved and carried out again. Mission routes will be established to maintain a constant cleaning day.

“[The drones] are going to be of immense benefit to the beautiful nature of El Salvador. As we face the reality of climate change and increasingly reaffirm the vital role that water plays for people’s well-being, the care of bodies of water becomes a priority,” he said during the drone delivery ceremony with the official of the United States embassy.

Two WasteSharks trawling Maldives Waters

🌊 Exciting news from RanMarine! We’re thrilled to announce that we’re training the first recipients of two WasteSharks in the archipelagic paradise of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Huge thanks to the State Trading Organization plc for facilitating placements with Malé City and the Maldives Airports Company Limited – MACL.

Waters near Maldives Airport

CEO & MD Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and Mohamed Lam’aan (DMD) and Mujthaba Latheef (DMD) officiated the use of ocean clean-up drone. The WasteShark will aim to keep the water aerodromes and its surrounding lagoon free from ocean debris and a 2nd will clean Male City.