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.
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
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.
8 June World Ocean Day 2024 Action Theme
We currently face one of the greatest threats ever to our blue planet and all its inhabitants: the climate crisis. It is all too clear that we need a healthy ocean for a healthy climate, and vice versa, and we need significantly stronger local, national, and international action from both government and corporate leaders. Now.
For 2024, we are launching a new multi-year action theme: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate. By growing the movement through transformative collaboration, we aim to create not only a healthy blue planet, but also a more just, equitable and sustainable society.
Together, we can persuade national legislators and corporate leaders to follow through on their promises and all the big talk about doing the right thing, specifically:
make the best use of all existing climate solutions;
accelerate a just transition to clean and renewable energy;
stop fossil fuel extraction, including oil, gas and coal;
rapidly and equitably phase out its existing production including for single use plastics;
collaborate with and amplify the voices of local leaders who are working to implement action within their communities;
protect and restore natural coastal and ocean ecosystems (and on land) by creating strongly protected areas covering at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030; and
keep on creating more solutions at the local, national and international levels that are based on the best science
By collaborating in transformative ways, we can create a healthier and more abundant future for all. It’s ambitious, but the World Ocean Day 2024 network collaborating with a wide range of partners in the growing global movement has collectively achieved some major victories over the years.
A bit of history
When The Ocean Project began coordination of World Ocean Day in 2002 (proposed by the Canadians 10 years earlier at the Rio Earth Summit), we saw it as a great concept that needed global attention. Ever since then, we have prioritized collaboratively coordinating World Ocean Day as a unique opportunity to unite and rally the world for celebration and collective action of our ocean planet in June and throughout the year. We also aim to grow the movement to protect and restore our ocean and develop a stronger global constituency to advocate for a healthy ocean and stable climate.
Soon after beginning this global coordination over 20 years ago, our network of partners encouraged the inclusion of an annual theme to encourage increased individual and collective impact during World Ocean Day celebrations.
Here’s a summary of the World Ocean Day action theme over the years:
2002-2004: The Ocean Project began conducting year-round outreach to all sectors to promote the concept of World Ocean Day, and opportunities for connecting with others. We collaborated primarily with the World Ocean Network, but also other associations and organizations worldwide. We developed activity and event ideas, outreach tips, action opportunities, tools and more each year.
2005-2008: Conducted campaign with the World Ocean Network to “Help Make a Difference for our Ocean Planet!” with a petition to the UN, both in-person and online, to officially recognize 8 June as World Ocean Day, signed by tens of thousands around the world. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in late 2008, officially recognizing World Ocean Day, starting in 2009. During these years, we also created a range of awareness and action tools to engage the public, including a comprehensive variety of personal actions to take.
2008: Launched an annual Action Theme for the first time. “Helping our climate / helping our ocean” with a special focus on coral reefs for International Year of the Reef. We collaborated with the International Coral Reef Initiative and other organizations.
2009-2010: Based on partner feedback, we began two-year themes, starting with “One Ocean, One Climate, One Future”, to help make the connection between climate change and ocean health. We provided customizable tools and action ideas for community event organizers to engage their target audiences.
2011-2012: “Youth: the Next Wave for Change” helped to generate more involvement with youth worldwide, combined with action steps. This focus was based on our comprehensive market research which clearly showed that youth are the most promising members of the public to reach out to if you want to create lasting change.
2013-2014: “Together we have the power to protect the ocean” showed how small actions can add up to make a big difference. In 2014, we provided resources and tools for taking action, in addition to focusing on testing and measuring interest in helping with solutions to climate change, sustainable fisheries, and plastics. Key partners included the US EPA’s Green Power Partnership and Greenlight Energy, to help partners both obtain and promote renewable energy; Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program to provide ways for seafood consumers to make a difference; and several plastic pollution-focused organizations to encourage reduction of single use plastics.
2015-2019: Based on the data from 2014 events – and with the issue of plastic pollution quickly worsening despite not yet being a top-of-mind issue that people and politicians cared about – we created a multi-year action focus on “preventing plastic pollution” and worked with organizations to inspire the international community to find solutions. Break Free From Plastics was a key global partner.
2020-2023: The five-year campaign helped get plastics onto the collective public, corporate and government radar, so we decided to spotlight another hugely important and relatively unknown issue, that served as a great opportunity for action: “Protecting at least 30% of our lands, waters, and ocean by 2030” (or simply 30×30). We focused on uniting conservation action to grow the global movement calling on world leaders to support 30×30, with Campaign for Nature helping as a key global partner.
Growing the momentum
By continuing to collaborate together, even more closely than before, we can solve the large environmental issues facing our blue planet.
The World Ocean Day action theme provides thousands of organizations and millions of individuals with tangible opportunities to protect and restore our ocean. Our efforts to support and mobilize people to take action don’t stop after World Ocean Day on 8 June; Throughout the year, we continue to provide ways for the World Ocean Day network to rally on issues related to safeguarding our ocean. We prioritize keeping the partner organizations and individuals involved in World Ocean Day network both informed and actively engaged with major interconnected issues, such as plastics, 30×30, overfishing, biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, polluted runoff from land, overdevelopment of the coasts, and more threats that we all collectively face.
With the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council and with our partners we will be collaboratively developing more resources and opportunities soon. To stay informed, follow World Ocean Day on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X), regularly visit the blog, and/or sign up for the monthly World Ocean Day newsletter, with all the latest information & resources for action.
One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together!
Join RanMarine in celebrating World Ocean Day 2024 by supporting our mission to clean up aquatic environments! We are proud to design and develop Autonomous Surface Vessels for cleaning floating waste, biomass, or algae. Click here to ➡️ view our solutions and join the movement for cleaner seas! 🌊 #CleanSeas #WorldOceanDay #RanMarineTech
Original story appeared on: https://worldoceanday.org/
RanMarine Showcases Innovative Solutions at 2024 Dutch Blue Flag Awards
[IJSSELSTEIN, May 20th, 2024] – RanMarine proudly displayed its latest innovations at the prestigious 2024 Blue Flag Awards, held at the picturesque Jachthaven Marnemoende harbour. The event provided an ideal backdrop to present RanMarine’s electric-powered vessels, designed for cleaning and collecting floating waste from water and offered a sneak peek of the upcoming MegaShark multi-platform product.
The Blue Flag Awards ceremony, hosted jointly by the harbour and the Municipality of IJsselstein, honoured excellence in environmental sustainability, recognising outstanding efforts in maintaining clean and safe beaches and marinas. This year, a record-breaking 200 Blue Flags were awarded to various locations across the Netherlands, including 143 marinas, 50 beaches, and 7 inland beaches.
RanMarine’s participation reiterated its commitment to providing cutting-edge technological solutions that enhance water cleanliness and preserve natural aquatic environments. “We are privileged to have had the opportunity to present our technologies at the 2024 Blue Flag Awards, showcasing our dedication to sustainability and clean water initiatives,” said Bart de Vries, Chief Operating Officer at RanMarine. “Our range of electric-powered vessels, our ability to monitor water quality data via various sensor arrays, and the MegaShark preview epitomise RanMarine’s commitment to innovating environmental stewardship. The agile and fully autonomous WasteShark is tailored for marinas and harbours, while our latest addition, the MegaShark, offers both seated onboard operation and remote control steering for tackling larger tasks.”
MegaShark generated considerable interest and discussions with harbour masters and attendees focused on expanding its deployment applications to match client needs and create a healthier aquatic environment. RanMarine welcomes these inputs, enhancing the company’s ability to build better platforms.
Erik van Dijk, national coordinator of Blue Flag Netherlands, emphasised the importance of sustainable practices: “The Blue Flag has been flying in the Netherlands since the late 1980s. In 2009, we had 100; now, 15 years later, we’ve doubled that. This growth reflects the hard work of marinas and beach municipalities to meet our criteria. Sustainable practices are increasingly important. The addition of 13 new marinas shows a commitment to high-quality services, and RanMarine’s technology is well-suited to support these efforts.”
The event marked the next significant milestone in RanMarine’s journey towards advancing water cleanliness and sustainability efforts. The company remains steadfast in its mission to provide efficient and eco-friendly solutions for cleaner waterbodies and waterways.
**About RanMarine:**
RanMarine is a leading provider of electric-powered vessels designed for water cleaning and environmental sustainability. Focused on innovation and technology, RanMarine aims to revolutionise water-cleaning solutions for a cleaner and healthier planet.
Active in over 25 countries, RanMarine’s autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) efficiently remove floating waste and algae from waterways. Their clients include Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, Babcock Marine Naval Bases UK, and Port of Houston. The WasteShark ASV can operate both autonomously and manually, while the MegaShark ASV, offering five times the capacity, will launch in mid-2024 and support onboard operation. The OilShark ASV, designed for rapid and agile deployment in capturing mid-scale hydrocarbon residues, is expected to be available by the end of 2024.
RanMarine’s ASVs can be equipped with over 15 sensors for customised data collection, offer quick deployment, and reduce costs by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. All mission and water quality data are stored and accessible through the RanMarine Connect portal.
**About KMVK (Keurmerk Milieu, Veiligheid en Kwaliteit):**
The Blue Flag is a prestigious international award given annually to beaches and marinas that meet stringent environmental management, safety, water quality, education, and waste management criteria. In the Netherlands, this is managed by the Stichting KMVK. For more information about the objectives and the beaches and marinas with a Blue Flag, please visit www.blauwevlag.nl
OUR WATERWAYS WITHOUT PLASTIC.
Interview by Up!Rotterdam / Rotterdam Innovation City
The mission of RanMarine is to develop advanced technology specifically designed for cleaning up pollution, organic waste, and debris in waterways. Additionally, water quality is monitored, allowing proactive measures to be taken to improve water quality.
Founder Richard Hardiman: “The idea for RanMarine arose in 2016 when I saw a few guys pulling plastic out of the water with a fishing net in a harbor in South Africa. I thought: this can surely be made easier. I literally sketched the idea for what is now the WasteShark on a napkin.”
“By removing plastic from the water in time while it’s still floating, we try to reduce the risk of it breaking down into microplastics” Richard Hardiman, RanMarine
Since 2020, Richard and his family have moved to Rotterdam. “I tried to start my company in South Africa, but there are many more challenges there than in The Netherlands. I had done business in Rotterdam before, so I knew the city. When I read about a startup program I could participate in, I didn’t hesitate to sign up and travel to Rotterdam. The Netherlands has a very large volume of water, so I immediately thought: this is the place to bring my idea to life. Moreover, Rotterdam, with all its maritime expertise, is the ideal hotspot for my company.”
RanMarine has developed several autonomous surface vessels, commonly known as water drones. Operating on technology similar to that of robot vacuum cleaners, these aquatic drones come in various sizes and are tailored to different environments. Compact versions are suitable for rivers and canals, even between moored boats, while larger models are designed for ports and lakes. The flagship product is the WasteShark, a catamaran-style vessel that can operate both remotely or autonomously and is equipped with a waste collection bin between the floats.
Richard: “Actually, there should be a WasteShark everywhere because it’s often only purchased when waste is visible on the water. It’s better to anticipate, because if you remove waste and plastics in time, you do so before it breaks down into microplastics.”
Richard has big plans for the future. “I also see a collaboration with Hebo. Together, we are working on the development of an emission-free vessel for rapid response in removing small oil spills from waterways. Every day, I am feeling happy with my work. It’s a great feeling to be involved in something good. I see that reflected in my colleagues too. For example, Robotic Engineers can work anywhere, but they also choose to work for an organization like RanMarine that makes the world a better place.”
“Without Rotterdam, I would never have achieved what I have now. There is so much talent here. It’s truly a city of action! As a good Rotterdam saying goes: Actions speak louder than words. The TU Delft is nearby, while the port with all its knowledge is within easy reach. UpRotterdam has been immensely helpful in the process. With their network, they directed me to the right people and organizations. Sometimes I talk to friends in South Africa about my experiences starting my business, and they don’t believe me when I say that I received needed supported during the process. As a Dutch person, you might not fully realize how well things are organized here.
To all new entrepreneurs, I would say: don’t be afraid to fail. There are plenty of opportunities in the Netherlands. Just take the risk, there is always a safety net here.”
Richard Hardiman is one of the Rotterdam Icons. Curious about the other Icons? Click here to meet them! Original story here
Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are revolutionising water pollution clean-ups
“In our pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable future, battery-driven autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) are emerging as invaluable tools! They’re transforming water pollution clean-ups on a grand scale,” Richard Hardiman, CEO of RanMarine.
Water pollution significantly threatens ecosystems, biodiversity and human health worldwide. From industrial or agricultural runoff to oil spills and plastic waste, pollutants contaminate water bodies, endangering aquatic life and compromising vital resources. Traditional clean-up methods often fall short due to limitations in workforce, resources and efficiency However, the rise of autonomous technology presents a game-changing opportunity to tackle this pressing and ever-growing issue.
Ports, Harbours And Marinas All water bodies are impacted by pollution, but as busy centres of trade and travel, ports, harbours and marinas have become key locations that require attention to address their pollution concerns. Ports are hubs for global trade and are crucial for the world economy. Sadly, their operations often come at a significant cost to the environment, generating high pollution levels. Commercial and fishing harbours are notorious for leaking waste into surrounding seas. Plastic is a huge concern and requires regular removal to prevent its accumulation. Wind also poses a big challenge for harbours as it quickly and easily blows waste into the water.
RanMarine Has The Technology to Help RanMarine Technology is a cleantech company that designs, manufactures and distributes emission-free ASVs such as the WasteShark, MegaShark, and soon-to-be-released OilShark. RanMarine’s Patrick Baransky was able to tell me more about what they do and how their technology is making a difference to pollution clean-up efforts. “We want to empower people and organisations to restore the aquatic environment back to its natural state. Our initiatives help to clear-up debris, plastic, algae and other biomass from water bodies. We combine this with water-quality data acquisition, with the overall aim of safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. RanMarine is perhaps best known for its robotic WasteShark. Inspired by the whale shark, which uses its broad mouth for filter feeding, this ASV houses a central waste collection basket between its hulls to scoop up floating rubbish. It is equipped with depth and temperature readings and an array of optional extra sensors for oxygen, pH and turbidity levels. The WasteShark was designed to reach areas that are tough to get to. It is small enough to fit into tight spaces yet big enough to make a difference!
The MegaShark is a scaled-up version of Waste Shark designed with a larger storage compartment to handle larger volumes of waste and biomass. Its size allows for extended operation periods without the need for frequent emptying. It is used in bigger water bodies and industrial areas where waste accumulation is more substantial, making it a perfect fit for ports, harbours, and marinas. Excitingly, RanMarine is also in the advanced stages of research and development, with a goal of bringing the OilShark to fruition in 2024. “Built on a platform similar to the MegaShark, this innovative vessel harnesses industry expertise to transform oil spill clean-up. Its optimal size allows for swift deployment and safe and sustainable resolution of oil spill challenges, particularly in harbours and ports due to engine or pump spillages.”
Digital Transformation: Providing Solutions to Big Issues The modernisation of ports and harbours into digital hubs, often termed Port 4.0, has numerous benefits in addressing environmental concerns and advancing sustainability. Digital transformation also brings many other advantages: improved waste collection techniques, increased efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Digitalising port operations and introducing smart and clean energy operations minimises environmental impact, while IoT enables real-time data exchange and informed decision-making. The WasteShark offers both remote-controlled operation and full robotic autonomy, minimising human intervention while performing waste collection and environmental monitoring tasks. This capability optimises operational efficiency, reduces costs and promotes cleaner port waters. Additionally, these agile vessels excel at navigating hard-to-reach areas in marinas, ports, or harbours, intercepting water pollution before it disperses into the open ocean.” Using the RanMarine ASVs, ports and harbours can leverage customisable onboard sensors and cameras to gather data on waste accumulation patterns and water quality conditions. This data empowers port authorities to pinpoint pollution hotspots, prioritise clean-up efforts, and enact targeted interventions for maximum efficacy.
Scalability and adaptability are further benefits of this digital shift, as RanMarine’s ASVs can be integrated into existing port infrastructure. This flexibility allows for tailored responses to evolving waste management needs, ensuring continuous protection of marine ecosystems in a dynamic environment.
Where Will We Go From Here? With global trade expected to continue growing, the environmental pressures associated with port activities are likely to intensify. Maritime users and boat owners are increasing, pushing up the number of marinas and people frequenting these facilities. Addressing these challenges will require concerted action from governments, industry stakeholders and individuals to develop and implement innovative solutions that balance the needs of maritime trade, recreation, and tourism with environmental sustainability. The pollution of ports, harbours and marinas represents a complex and pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. As we navigate these waters, we must raise awareness and advocate for cleaner, more sustainable operations to protect the health of our planet and its inhabitants for generations to come.
Baransky was able to shed light on the situation further with some statistics: The United Nations Environment Programme forecasts that plastic waste in aquatic ecosystems will almost triple, ranging from 8-15 billion kg annually in 2016 to an estimated 24-40 billion kg by 2040. Aggressive agricultural practices and nutrient runoff are fuelling an increase in Harmful Algal Blooms, adversely affecting marine ecology and economies. The National Academy of Sciences also reports approximately 4 million metric tons of oil entering global oceans annually from 2010 to 2019. The US Coast Guard estimates around 30,000 minor to moderate oil spills annually in the US, primarily from fuel bunkering and salvage operations, requiring legal protection and cleaning protocols in major ports and harbours.” RanMarine is providing the technology to aid people in the digital transformation transition-harnessing the power of ASVs to keep our aquatic environments pollution-free. RanMarine’s technology already spans 27 countries, and they aim to achieve widespread global adoption within the next decade.
“Ultimately, our goal is for our Autonomous Surface Vessels to become as ubiquitous as robotic vacuum cleaners or street sweepers, Innovation, crafted for nature“
