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Tag: Sustainability

What the Sawfish Tells Us About the Health of Our Oceans

RanMarine Communications – 17/10/2025

Each year, on 17 October, the world celebrates International Sawfish Day. A day dedicated to one of the ocean’s most remarkable yet critically endangered species: the sawfish.

Closely related to sharks and rays, sawfish are living relics of our planet’s marine past. Despite their resilience, they now face the very real threat of extinction.

Sawfish swimming in blue seas
A stunning sawfish

Ancient and Endangered

Sawfish are ancient fish whose distinctive saw-like snouts, or rostra, help them sense and catch prey. Sadly, this same feature often leads to their entanglement in fishing nets, one of the main causes of their decline. Populations of sawfish have plummeted by more than 90% worldwide due to a combination of threats:

  • Overfishing and bycatch in coastal and estuarine areas
  • Habitat loss caused by coastal development and mangrove destruction
  • Pollution from plastic waste and chemical run-off
  • Illegal trade in sawfish parts and curios

All five known species of sawfish are now listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and protected under CITES Appendix I, which prohibits global trade in sawfish or their parts.

Pollution: A Threat We Can Fight

While overfishing and habitat loss remain major global challenges, pollution is one threat we can actively combat. Every bottle, bag, and fragment of debris that enters a waterway contributes to habitat degradation, affecting sawfish and countless other marine species. At RanMarine Technology, we’re addressing this challenge with innovative, data-driven solutions. Our WasteSharks and MegaSharks are designed to remove floating debris, plastics, and organic waste from waterways before it can reach the ocean.

WasteShark in polluted waters

By collecting waste early, we help restore balance to aquatic ecosystems and support the biodiversity that keeps them healthy. Each WasteShark mission contributes to:

  • Preventing plastics from entering aquatic food chains
  • Improving water quality in cities, ports, marinas, and rivers
  • Creating cleaner, safer habitats for aquatic species

These innovations demonstrate how technology and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, offering practical, scalable solutions to the global challenge of water pollution.

The story of the sawfish reminds us that every action counts. Protecting one species means protecting an entire ecosystem, and it starts with clean water.

👉 learn more about our WasteShark or MegaShark

🐙 What the Octopus Can Teach Us About Smarter Ocean Clean-up

“On World Octopus Day, RanMarine takes inspiration from one of the ocean’s most adaptable survivors.”

By RanMarine Communications – 08 Oct 2025
Few marine animals embody intelligence and adaptability like the octopus. With three hearts, blue blood, and the ability to change colour and texture in an instant, the octopus has mastered survival in the ocean’s most dynamic environments. It uses tools, solves problems, and even learns by observation. A remarkable example of nature’s design.

But even the most resourceful creatures can’t thrive if their environment is overwhelmed by pollution. Every year, millions of tons of waste flow from rivers, canals, harbours, and lakes into the sea, carrying with it the plastic and debris that threaten marine ecosystems. By the time this pollution reaches open water, it’s already too late. The key is prevention, not clean-up after the fact.

At RanMarine, we’ve taken that lesson to heart. Our WasteShark drones are designed to remove floating debris and plastics before they reach the ocean, patrolling inland waterways, ports, and city canals where waste begins its journey downstream.

Much like the octopus, the WasteShark is quiet, efficient, and adaptive. They glide through the water autonomously, capturing waste without disturbing aquatic life, helping cities and ports prevent pollution at its source.

WasteShark operates in canals, harbours, and lakes, removing floating waste before it reaches the ocean.
WasteShark operates in canals, harbours, and lakes, removing floating waste before it reaches the ocean.

World Octopus Day isn’t just about celebrating a fascinating animal. It’s a reminder that ocean protection starts close to home.
By acting upstream, we can stop waste from ever reaching the habitats that species like the octopus depend on.

If nature can adapt, so can we, with intelligent technology designed to keep our waterways clean and our oceans resilient.

👉 Learn more about our WasteShark

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

Nature-Inspired Innovation: Floating Wetlands for Cleaner Waterways

Across India, rivers and urban waterways are under pressure from pollution and declining water quality. Clean-Water, a forward-thinking Indian startup, is addressing this challenge with floating wetlands, engineered islands made from native plants and beneficial microbes that replicate natural water purification processes.

Floating Islands – ©️Clear Water India

Floating wetlands are placed on the surface of polluted water bodies, where their dense root systems absorb excess nutrients, chemicals and contaminants. As water flows through these islands, pollutants are naturally broken down, leading to improved water clarity and healthier aquatic environments. Over time, the islands support greater biodiversity and can even provide habitats for fish and birds.

Watch their video 🎦

This sustainable, low-maintenance approach is especially valuable for emerging markets where traditional water treatment infrastructure may be limited. Clean-Water’s floating wetlands are already demonstrating measurable improvements in water quality in Indian towns and waterways, offering a scalable model for communities worldwide. At RanMarine, we salute these innovators!

Discover more about this innovative approach and its positive impact by visiting Clean-Water’s official website.

Turning Tides: Art Meets Clean Tech at TOFFLER Festival

RanMarine and Katoenhuis teamed up to launch a floating artwork that cleans water while captivating audiences

This past weekend, RanMarine Technology proudly supported Turning Tides, a bold fusion of art, technology and sustainability, unveiled during the 10th anniversary of TOFFLER Festival at Rotterdam’s Roel Langerakpark.

Festival goers next to the lake with WastShark and SEPIA artwork

In collaboration with Katoenhuis and creative artist Wes Broersen, we helped bring to life SEPIA; a mesmerising kinetic light sculpture installed atop our WasteShark. While captivating festival-goers with its rhythmic, cuttlefish-inspired movement and light reflections, the WasteShark beneath quietly did what it does best; cleaning up to 100 kg of floating waste from the lake.

Festival goers next to the lake with WastShark and SEPIA artwork
Toffler festival SEPIA floating art
WasteShark with light artwork

The project was part of Katoenhuis’ Turning Tides artist residency, designed to explore the synergy between nature, technology and environmental action through floating installations. With its premiere at TOFFLER Festival, SEPIA set the tone for future editions, including a planned showing at Koelhuis Eindhoven.

We were proud to sponsor this initiative, which brought together local talent and innovation from the M4H district, including roofrack designer Nick Mansveld, curator Marjolein Vlaming, and support from Cultuur Concreet.

It was a vibrant display of what’s possible when creative minds and clean tech join forces—and a great reminder that sustainability can be as inspiring as it is impactful.

Artist: Wes Broersen
Residency: Katoenhuis Rotterdam (SHINE network)
Roof-rack Design: Nick Mansveld
Curator: Marjolein Vlaming
Sponsor: RanMarine Technology
Supported by: Cultuur Concreet, Toffler Festival
Media: Boudewijn Bollmann, Bula Filmproductions, De Vliegende Cameraman, Juriën Cornelissen (Convoi Films)

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 cleaning local marina, yachts in background

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.



For more information, please reach out to
https://www.ranmarine.io or sales@ranmarine.io

and   https://www.rv-consultancy.com or robin@rv-consultancy.com in Abu Dhabi UAE.

New UAE Partnership

RanMarine Technology partners with RV Consultancy to Enhance UAE’s Efforts in Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Development

Rotterdam / United Arab Emirates, November 5, 2024 – RanMarine Technology, a leading cleantech innovator in autonomous water cleaning solutions, enthusiastically announces its partnership with RV Consultancy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a strategic partner, RV Consultancy will play a crucial role in supporting the deployment of RanMarine’s award-winning autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) in key aquatic locations across the UAE. Together, they aim to advance aquatic ecosystem conservation in line with the UAE’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.

RV Consultancy, a well-established business consultancy specialising in Logistics Management, brings extensive expertise in supporting complex initiatives within ports, harbours, and coastal environments. With RV Consultancy’s support, RanMarine’s pioneering ASVs—including the WasteShark and the recently launched MegaShark—will help remove plastic waste, algae, and other pollutants from water surfaces in marinas, harbours, and calm waterways across the UAE. This partnership will contribute to preserving the UAE’s natural aquatic environments, providing a cleaner, more sustainable experience for residents and tourists alike.

Richard Hardiman, CEO of RanMarine Technology, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to partner with RV Consultancy to support the UAE’s vision for clean, vibrant aquatic environments. Our technology is crafted to work in harmony with nature, providing an efficient way to tackle water pollution while preserving the stunning aquatic landscapes that attract visitors from around the world.”

Robin Vermaat, Founder and CEO of RV Consultancy, stated: “Introducing RanMarine’s zero-emission autonomous water cleaning solutions in the UAE aligns perfectly with the nation’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14. I’m honoured to support my clients in the UAE by contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of the country’s coastal and aquatic environments.”

This partnership comes at a pivotal moment as the UAE enhances initiatives to attract global yachting, sailing enthusiasts, and marine adventurers. By addressing environmental challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions, the UAE is making meaningful strides toward a balanced approach to tourism, supporting both ecological preservation and its reputation as a premier destination for marine enthusiasts.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Patrick Baransky
Global Head of Marketing
RanMarine Technology
Email: press@ranmarine.io
Phone: +31 616952175

Mr. Robin Vermaat
Founder & CEO
RV Consultancy
Email: robin@rv-consultancy.com
Phone: +971 54 409 7983

RanMarine Logo

About RanMarine Technology
RanMarine Technology is a leading cleantech company specialising in the design and distribution of emission-free autonomous surface vessels, such as the WasteShark and the recently launched MegaShark. These innovative ASVs effectively remove plastic, algae, and waste while collecting critical water-quality data to protect aquatic ecosystems. RanMarine is also preparing to introduce the OilShark in 2025, which will be designed specifically for oil spill clean-up. Discover more at www.ranmarine.io – Innovation, crafted for nature

RV Consultancy logo

About RV Consultancy
RV Consultancy is a premier business consulting firm with expertise in Logistics Management, including ports and marinas. We help companies to improve and optimise their operations and support their business in providing cost-effective and innovative solutions that empower their growth and sustainability objectives. www.rv-consultancy.com

Elevating Golf Course Management: The Revolutionary Role of Autonomous Surface Vessels

US Golf Monthly

A lake surrounded by grass and trees AI-generated content may be incorrect. 
Image: Golf Estate and water feature

Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are revolutionizing water feature maintenance in golf courses and golf estates, offering an efficient and non-disruptive solution for keeping waterways clean. These modern devices are transforming how golf clubs manage their water hazards and ornamental ponds, combining advanced technology with environmental stewardship.

ASVs excel in accessing hard-to-reach areas of water bodies, thanks to their compact size and exceptional maneuverability. This allows for comprehensive cleaning of water features, maintaining their aesthetic appeal and playability. The autonomous nature of these vessels significantly reduces the need for manual labor, enabling groundskeeping staff to focus on other critical aspects of course maintenance.

One of the key advantages of ASVs is their ability to operate continuously for extended periods, maximizing cleaning efficiency without increasing labor costs or disrupting play. This continuous operation ensures that water features remain pristine, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Beyond debris removal, leading ASV manufacturers are able to use mobile sensors for water quality monitoring. Equipped with advanced technology, they collect real-time data on various water quality parameters. This information is invaluable for golf course managers, enabling data-driven decisions about water management, algae control, and overall ecosystem health of their water features.

The use of ASVs aligns perfectly with modern golf course management practices, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and sustainable course maintenance. By deploying these smart devices, golf clubs can enhance the overall playing experience, potentially increasing member satisfaction and the club’s appeal to prospective members and tournament organizers.

Water alage and the autonomous ASV drone – WasteShark

Image: WasteShark ASV clearing excessive algae build-up

As golf clubs and country clubs worldwide strive to balance environmental stewardship with exceptional playing conditions, technologies like ASVs offer a promising solution. They represent a smart, efficient, and sustainable approach to water feature management, paving the way for healthier, more beautiful golf courses that meet the high standards of today’s discerning golfers.

For golf course managers looking to elevate their water management practices, exploring the latest ASV technologies could be a game-changing decision. These innovative solutions not only address current maintenance challenges but also position golf courses at the forefront of sustainable and efficient operations.

RanMarine Launches the MegaShark to Address $20Billion Market Opportunity for Waterway Clean-Up

Press Release

For Immediate Release


[Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 8, 2024] – RanMarine Technology (“RanMarine” or the “Company), a pioneer in autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) designed to clean ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments, today announced the commercial launch of the MegaShark, an innovative mid-sized, electric-powered vessel set to revolutionize aquatic clean-up efforts.

The latest addition to RanMarine’s fleet of ASVs, the rechargeable MegaShark vessel is specifically engineered to efficiently capture and remove floating waste, algae, and biomass from waterways. With significantly increased capacity over prior models, the MegaShark is designed as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for use in a wide range of environments including harbors, ports, marinas, rivers, canals, lakes, and other waterways.

The MegaShark offers versatile operation modes, including onboard, remote control from shore, and autonomous navigation with LiDAR-based collision avoidance, ensuring efficient performance for various tasks. Designed with a shallow draft and a unique catamaran hull, it features an efficient waste-basket capture system, allowing it to hold up to 880 liters/440kg of waste, a greater than five-fold increase over the WasteShark ASV. The vessel’s base battery configuration supports up to 8 hours of operation, extendable to 16 hours, and it utilizes RanMarine’s proven navigation and autonomous software.

“We continually strive to simplify our customers’ operations, reduce costs, and enhance waste collection efficiency,” stated Richard Hardiman, CEO and founder of RanMarine. “The MegaShark complies with new sustainable fuel legislation and can deploy advanced water-quality sensors, providing crucial data feedback that helps our clients understand and maximize their environmental impact. Its rapid deployment capabilities and efficient waste collection system help mitigate long-term environmental damage, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems, while the vessel’s 100% recyclable aluminum hull enhances its sustainability.”

Operating in over 30 countries, RanMarine’s waterway cleaning solutions are trusted by a diverse array of clients including corporate, governmental, and environmental organizations. Key partners and clients include Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, BIC Services, Port of Halifax and Dallas County. This widespread adoption underscores the reliability and effectiveness of RanMarine’s solutions, which address a $20 billion market opportunity around the world.

About RanMarine:

RanMarine empowers organizations worldwide to restore aquatic environments to their natural state through the design and development of data-driven autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that specialize in cleaning ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments. RanMarine’s proprietary ASVs, designed to efficiently remove floating waste pollution and algae/biomass from waterways, are currently operating in over 30 countries, with corporate and government clients including Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, Babcock Marine Naval Bases UK, and Port of Houston. RanMarine’s WasteShark ASV can be operated either autonomously or manually via handheld remote control. RanMarine’s new MegaShark ASV, which boasts five to seven times the capacity of the WasteShark, is now available for sale and offers the option of either onboard operation, remote control or autonomous operation*. Additionally, the company anticipates beginning shipments of its OilShark ASV in early 2025, a vessel designed to enable rapid removal of oil spills from waterways. All RanMarine’s ASVs can be outfitted with over 15 different sensors for customized data collection needs, offer fast and simple deployment, and provide substantial cost savings compared to traditional alternatives. * MegaShark’s full Autonomous operation will be released  in late 2024

Learn more at:

Website: www.ranmarine.io
Facebook: @RanMarineTechnology
Instagram: @ranmarinetechnology
X/Twitter: @RanMarineTech
LinkedIn: @ranmarine

Contact:

Dave Gentry

RedChip Companies, Inc.

1-800-REDCHIP (733-2447)

1-407-644-4256

ranmarine@redchip.com

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.