We deployed our first beta cleanup system from San Francisco Bay into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch on September 8, 2018. After months of testing and documenting, we returned back to port for repair and upgrade as of January 3, 2019. We learned that the system to a large extent works as is intended, but is not always moving faster than the plastic, and thus not retaining it long enough for efficient cleanup. The engineering teams in now going through the test data, inspecting the system and working on solutions. To follow this progress, see our dedicated System 001 page. Once we have made alterations and feel confident to put the system to the test again, we will relaunch the system into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
After we have reached proof of technology, we will start scaling up more rapidly. We have calculated that we would need a fleet of 60 cleanup systems in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to reach a 50 % plastic reduction in 5 years’ time.
In the run-up to full-scale deployment, we welcome corporations to take part in the largest cleanup in history. By sponsoring a system, you help speed up the full-scale cleanup. Your logo will be placed on the floater and you can track your own system through its course in the gyre with our app. Please contact us through our contact form, if you are interested in sponsoring a system.