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!
Global Water-Cleaning Innovation Comes Home, as Cape Town Welcomes “Adopt a Shark”
Cape Town, Press Release, 31/10/2025
RanMarine, Circular South Africa, and V&A Waterfront announce innovative harbour clean-up program
RanMarine Technology is launching its “Adopt a Shark” programme in Cape Town, in partnership with Circular South Africa (CSA), a project of the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), and the V&A Waterfront. The announcement marks a powerful homecoming for RanMarine, whose flagship WasteShark technology was conceived in Cape Town and later developed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. CSA is enabling the local rollout, while the V&A Waterfront is hosting and supporting the initiative as benefactor and operations partner.
The Adopt a Shark programme is a global cause marketing and sponsorship initiative enabling eco-conscious companies, grantmakers and philanthropists to fund the deployment of RanMarine’s emission-free Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs):
WasteShark – agile, class-leading surface drone that removes floating plastic, waste, biomass and algae from urban waterways
CyanoShark – treats cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae) levels chemically-free without harming ecosystems
MegaShark – manned or remote-controlled dual tender-boat that tackles larger waste volumes
Deployments target sites where environmental clean-up needs are high but resources limited, while gathering critical water-quality data via optional sensors for predictive environmental monitoring.
Cape Town is the first African city to join this global network, following the programme’s New York City debut earlier this year. The initiative will expand to ten iconic “water cities” worldwide, uniting government agencies, private enterprises, NGOs, and communities to deliver scalable environmental solutions.
The Cape Town Connection
Richard Hardiman in Cape Town with a WasteShark – 📷 SundayTimes
The WasteShark concept was born at the V&A Waterfront, where, then-local entrepreneur and former KFM DJ Richard Hardiman watched workers manually collect waste with pool nets; a time-consuming, unproductive method, and envisioned a more efficient, sustainable solution. He later established RanMarine in Rotterdam, a global maritime innovation hub, here the technology was refined and expanded for international deployment.
Richard Hardiman, CEO of RanMarine, shared his excitement: “This launch represents both a homecoming and a commitment. Cape Town inspired RanMarine’s autonomous vessel solutions, and now it will help lead a new chapter of African and global collaboration to protect urban waterways.”
Katharina Gihring, COO of the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN): “‘Adopt a Shark’ demonstrates circular economy principles in action, turning waste into opportunity while supporting communities to protect their water resources. With the right partnerships, we can scale this impact across Africa.”
Andre Blaine, Executive Director of Marine & Industry at the V&A Waterfront: “It’s a full-circle moment for our neighbourhood to be among the first 10 sites in the rollout of the ‘Adopt a Shark’ initiative globally. Having first trialled the RanMarine Waste Shark in our waters a couple of years ago, we’re proud to be a part of such an incredible project that reflects our commitment to marine conservation, responsible tourism, and a cleaner harbour for the V&A Waterfront.”
The Cape Town “Adopt a Shark” programme will officially launch later this year at the V&A Waterfront, with plans to expand to nearby marinas, ‘vleis’, rivers, lakes and harbours throughout 2026/27.
Interested in a similar collaborative project, then follow the link below to reach out to Andrew Douglas our Head of Strategic Alliances
Media Enquiries: Patrick Baransky Head of Global Marketing, RanMarine Technology Email: patrick.baransky@ranmarine.io | Phone: +31 62 6480161
About RanMarine Technology
RanMarine Technology is a leading cleantech company and designs and distributes emission-free autonomous surface vessels including WasteShark, CyanoShark, MegaShark and OilShark that extract plastic, algae, waste, and oil while gathering water-quality data to safeguard aquatic ecosystems. www.ranmarine.io
About Circular South Africa and African Circular Economy Network
Circular South Africa is a project of the African Circular Economy Network, advocating for circular economy principles to foster sustainable growth, reduce environmental impact, and empower communities across Africa. www.circularsouthafrica.co.za
About The V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is Cape Town’s vibrant mixed-use development, renowned for retail, entertainment, and hospitality set against Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It attracts locals and tourists with diverse attractions, historical sites, and scenic waterfront views. www.waterfront.co.za
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.
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.
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.
🐙 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
