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.
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
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.
CyanoShark Deployed at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Triathlon to Combat Blue-Green Algae
3 Sept 2025 RanMarine Technology is proud to partner with Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, one of Europe’s premier triathlon events and host of this year’s European Championship Long Distance, to tackle water quality challenges through innovative, sustainable technology. The Challenge As summer conditions across Europe create ideal environments for blue-green algae proliferation, outdoor aquatic events face increasing water quality management challenges. Whilst blue-green algae occurs naturally in water bodies at low levels and is typically harmless, it can multiply to concerning concentrations under certain conditions, potentially impacting athlete safety. Our Solution in Action From start September through 11 September, our CyanoShark system is being deployed daily on the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam swimming course. This cutting-edge technology employs multi-modal, chemical-free treatment methods to safely disrupt and neutralise harmful algae growth whilst minimising impact on other aquatic life. The CyanoShark represents a breakthrough in sustainable water treatment, offering event organisers a proactive solution that works with natural ecosystems rather than against them. Unlike traditional chemical treatments, our approach maintains the delicate balance of aquatic environments whilst addressing specific water quality concerns. Real-World Impact This deployment demonstrates how innovative technology can address real-world challenges in the sports and events industry. By partnering with Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, we’re not just providing a solution – we’re showcasing how environmental responsibility and athletic excellence can work hand in hand. The organising committee’s proactive approach to athlete safety, combined with our commitment to chemical-free water treatment, represents a new standard for sustainable event management in the face of changing environmental conditions. Looking Forward As climate change continues to influence water quality conditions globally, partnerships like this highlight the importance of innovative, environmentally conscious solutions. The data and insights gathered from this deployment will contribute to our ongoing development of water quality management technologies. For more information about this partnership, visit the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam announcement.
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.”
RanMarine’s speciality lies in creating waterborne robots, also known as Autonomous Surface Vehicles, that focus on cleaning floating pollution out of waterways, both inland and coastal. Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman was inspired to start the company after observing people using nets to fish rubbish from water. A firm believer in using technology to replace mundane tasks, Hardiman set out to address the inefficiency he saw: “I wanted to solve that inefficiency rather than a pollution problem.”
RanMarine, a Dutch startup, offers innovative solutions to fight water pollution. It has developed autonomous water-cleaning devices that not only effectively remove plastic waste but also address other major environmental challenges such as oil pollution and harmful algae blooms.
The plastic waste challenge
Initially, RanMarine focused mainly on tackling floating plastic pollution. The company devised a device that would autonomously navigate the water’s surface and collect plastics, like a robotic vacuum cleaner cleaning a floor.
The team quickly discovered a crucial insight about water pollution priorities: even if removing floating plastic waste remained vital for long-term environmental health, the lack of direct accountability meant that few people were willing to fund its cleanup. But ‘when we expanded our scope to tackle immediate threats like toxic algae blooms – which directly impact local businesses, drinking water, and public health – we found eager customers ready to invest in solutions,’ explains Richard Hardiman, CEO of RanMarine.
Today, RanMarine’s main clients are a mix of marinas and ports, city offices and municipalities, and several commercial clients. This shift revealed the true potential of scaling up their technology.
CEO Richard Hardiman
It’s not just plastic that needs to be cleaned up
As the company shifted focus to include algae removal, ‘we suddenly found that there was a lot of government focus on removal’ of harmful algae blooms, particularly in the USA and Europe. Richard says: ‘Our systems could do exactly the same thing, and the need was urgent and had available funding.’
RanMarine has developed two main platforms for their anti-pollution robots, the smaller WasteShark and the newer, larger, MegaShark platform. Both products are commercially available and are purchased depending on the clients’ needs for bigger or smaller units.
The flexibility of RanMarine’s technology became its biggest asset: their Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) are able to target several pollutants with minimal modifications. This adaptability has proven invaluable, as it has allowed the company to enter different markets and scale up without having to overhaul their entire product line.
Collecting data on water quality
Moreover, their ASVs are capable of collecting detailed water quality data while cleaning. By pairing the advanced GPS systems of the ASV and water probes, they were able to measure parameters such as pH levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. ‘We suddenly realised that we could build up cloud maps of what is in the water while we’re cleaning it,’ Hardiman says.
After securing private investment, RanMarine is now looking at the public and listed markets as options to raise capital.
The mentorship and strategic guidance from BlueInvest have been instrumental in this development. ‘BlueInvest is great when it comes to understanding the investor perspective,’ says Hardiman. ‘Our coach was really knowledgeable and showed us that you can have the perfect innovation and technology, but if you can’t make yourself understood in a pitch, then it won’t matter.’
While RanMarine had originally focused largely on the R&D process, their BlueInvest coach helped them to focus more on the business side in order to seek further investment.
Beyond the individual coaching, Hardiman also found value in the BlueInvest webinars, where industry experts and fellow entrepreneurs shared insights on scaling, securing funding, and navigating the blue economy. ‘Hearing from other startups about their challenges and how they overcame them helped put things into perspective. You don’t feel like you’re figuring everything out alone.’
BlueInvest
BlueInvest is the EU’s innovation and investment platform for the blue economy, offering business coaching, fundraising support, and networking opportunities for ocean technology companies. Interested individuals can register with the BlueInvest Community to explore programme features and opportunities or contact lu-blueinvest@pwc.lu.
Trash Trapping Program rids Toronto Harbour of 175,000+ pieces of plastic in 2024
PortsToronto’s Trash Trapping Program has emerged as a beacon of environmental innovation, showcasing how technology and collaboration can effectively combat waterway pollution. Since its inception in 2019, the program has made significant strides in removing plastic debris and other contaminants from Toronto Harbour, preventing these pollutants from reaching Lake Ontario and beyond.
A Multifaceted Approach to Pollution Control
The Trash Trapping Program utilizes a combination of advanced technologies and manual efforts to address the pervasive issue of floating debris. Key tools include Seabins, WasteShark aquadrones, and LittaTrap catch basin filters. Seabins, essentially floating garbage bins, are deployed at strategic locations along Toronto’s waterfront to suck in trash from the water’s surface. WasteSharks, nicknamed “Ebb” and “Flow,” are remote-controlled aquadrones that skim the water for floating debris. Meanwhile, LittaTraps are installed in storm drains to capture plastics before they even enter the waterways.
Complementing these technologies is manual skimming, which involves physically removing large debris and invasive plants that accumulate microplastics. Together, these efforts have created a robust system for intercepting waste at multiple points along its journey to the lake.
PortsToronto staff empty a WasteShark aquadrone of floating debris captured during a Trash Trapping Program mission in the Peter Street Basin on the Toronto waterfront. The materials collected by trash traps are counter and characterized by U of T Trash Team researchers. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)
Impressive Results
The program’s achievements speak volumes about its effectiveness. Between May and October 2024 alone, over 600 kilograms of anthropogenic debris—waste created by human activities—were removed from Toronto Harbour. This included more than 100,000 small pieces of plastic, such as bottle caps, foam fragments from food containers, cigarette butts, and even larger items like fatbergs. In earlier years, similar efforts removed tens of thousands of pieces of plastic annually, underscoring the program’s consistent impact.
Notably, the introduction of WasteSharks in 2023 proved particularly effective. In just three trials during their pilot phase, these aquadrones collected approximately 20 kilograms of marine debris. Combined with ongoing efforts by Seabins and other devices, the program has become a critical tool in reducing microplastics and other pollutants in Toronto’s waterways.
Research-Driven Innovation
A cornerstone of the Trash Trapping Program is its partnership with the University of Toronto Trash Team (U of T Trash Team). Researchers from the team meticulously analyse the materials collected by trash traps to identify sources and trends in pollution. This data-driven approach not only informs solutions-based research but also supports policy changes aimed at reducing waste at its source.
For instance, researchers have identified that much of the floating debris originates from stormwater run-off, industrial activities, and improperly managed waste bins near water edges. Insights like these have led to targeted community outreach programs designed to increase waste literacy and encourage better disposal practices.
Expanding Impact Beyond Toronto
The success of PortsToronto’s initiative has inspired similar programs across the Great Lakes region and beyond. As part of the International Trash Trapping Network led by Ocean Conservancy and U of T Trash Team, lessons learned from Toronto are being applied globally to combat plastic pollution in urban waterways.
Moreover, PortsToronto’s efforts align with broader strategies like the Toronto Inner Harbour Floatables Strategy. This collaborative framework brings together various stakeholders to reduce floating litter through innovative methods and strategic placement of trash traps.
Looking Ahead
As the program enters its seventh year in 2025, PortsToronto is set to expand its capabilities further. Plans include adding three new fixed trash-trapping devices to its existing fleet of seven Seabins and two WasteSharks. These additions will enhance coverage along Toronto’s waterfront and Outer Harbour Marina.
The continued success of this initiative underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with research-driven strategies and community engagement, PortsToronto is not only cleaning up local waterways but also setting a global example for sustainable urban water management.
Every year, 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. It’s not just an environmental issue; it’s affecting our health and economies too. The problem is so big that no single country can solve it alone.
Key Players (as of early 2025)
1. High Ambition Coalition (HAC): 85 countries pushing for strong, binding commitments.
2. Business Coalition: 250+ businesses, including IKEA, Nestlé, and Unilever, supporting an ambitious treaty.
3. “Like-minded group”: Countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, China, and Iran, focusing more on waste management than production cuts.
4. United States: Not part of the HAC, hesitant on production control measures.
5. France, Rwanda and Mexico: Leading a group of 95 “willing countries” supporting legally-binding provisions to phase out harmful plastic products and chemicals.
Hopeful Outcomes
1. Reducing virgin plastic production
2. Eliminating harmful chemicals in plastics
3. Promoting reuse systems and better product design
4. Improving waste management globally
5. Creating a truly circular economy for plastics
Timeline
– March 2022: UN resolution to create the treaty
– 2022-2024: Initial negotiation rounds
– May 2025 (tentative): Final negotiation round (INC-5.2)
– End of 2025: Target date for finalizing the treaty
– 2040: Ambitious goal to end plastic pollution
Remember, this treaty isn’t just about banning plastic straws. It’s aiming to revolutionize how we produce, use, and dispose of plastics. It’s like going on a global plastic diet – we’re not giving up plastics entirely, but we’re trying to make healthier choices for our planet.
As we head into the crucial 2025 negotiations, the world is watching to see if global leaders can put aside their differences and create a treaty that truly tackles the plastic crisis. Will we see a game-changing agreement, or will it be watered down by competing interests? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the outcome will shape our relationship with plastics for decades to come.
WasteShark capturing plastic
RanMarine’sWasteShark and MegaShark are perfectly positioned to help deliver on the Global Plastics Treaty’s ambitious goals. These innovative aquatic drones directly tackle plastic pollution in waterways, a key focus of the treaty. The WasteShark, capable of collecting up to 500 kg of debris daily, has already proven its worth in urban waterways and marinas. Its bigger sibling, the MegaShark, launched in 2024, takes this concept further with a capacity to hold 880 liters of waste. Both can operate remotely and emission-free, aligning with the treaty’s emphasis on innovative, sustainable solutions. Moreover, their data collection capabilities support the research and monitoring aspects crucial to the treaty’s success. RanMarine’s technology stands out as a practical, scalable solution that could play a pivotal role in achieving the treaty’s objectives.
So, next time you’re sipping your drink through a paper straw, know that you’re part of a worldwide movement. The Global Plastics Treaty might just be the biggest cleanup effort in human history – and it’s happening right now!
RanMarine’s Autonomous Surface Vessels: Transforming Water Management in the UAE
Feb 2025
Dubai Burj Khalifa fountain
RanMarine Technology, a pioneer in autonomous water cleaning solutions, is making waves in the United Arab Emirates with its innovative Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). The company’s WasteShark and MegaShark drones are transforming water management practices in marinas, harbours, and waterways across the region.
Smart Solutions for Smart Cities
As Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other UAE locations continue to embrace smart city initiatives, RanMarine’s ASVs offer an intelligent approach to water cleaning and data collection. These drones not only remove floating waste and algae but can also be equipped with sensors to monitor water quality, supporting the UAE’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Enhancing Marina and Golf Estate Environments
The first WasteShark, a 1.6-meter long marine drone, made its mark in Dubai Marina back in 2018. Capable of catching up to 160L of waste per trip and operating for 6-8 hours on a single emission-free battery charge, it continues to efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas between boats and piers. These ASVs are ideal solutions for the UAE’s numerous marinas, including the expansive Dubai Harbour with its 1,100 berths, or the 227-berth Yas Marina, home to Abu Dhabi’s F1 Circuit.
The Emirates’ prized golf estates with water features can also benefit from RanMarine’s technology. The ASVs can maintain the aesthetic appeal of these water bodies while ensuring their ecological health and monitoring pH levels and run-off from fertilized fairways, aligning with the UAE’s focus on responsible luxury developments.
WasteShark cruising the local marina
Advancing Aquatic Conservation
RanMarine’s partnership with RV Consultancy in the UAE, announced in November 2024, marked a significant step towards enhancing aquatic ecosystem health and supporting the nation’s sustainable tourism goals. This collaboration helps to address the UAE’s drive to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The MegaShark: A Game-Changer for Larger Waterways
RanMarine’s latest commercial vessel, the MegaShark, offers even greater capacity for waste collection. This robust industrial aluminium vessel, with its ability to hold up to 880 litres or 440 kg of waste per trip, represents a five-fold increase over the WasteShark model. This makes it particularly suitable for larger waterways and coastal areas in the UAE.
By deploying these advanced ASVs, marina operators, coastal resorts, golf estates, and municipal authorities in the UAE can significantly improve their water management practices. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also contributes to the broader goals of marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
Introduction to the Company Financial Statements 2023 “The Company”, “RanMarine”, “RanMarine Technology” refers to RanMarine Technology B.V., which was incorporated April 12, 2016. RanMarine is a private company. RanMarine is a cleantech company that designs, manufactures and sells autonomous surface vessels, or ASVs. As a technology company, our specific market focus is providing robotic vessels to harvest harmful plastic pollutants, oils and algae/biomass from water while collecting critical water quality data.
