Our systems have been designed for a once-in-100-year storm and have extensively tested the components for this. However, several safety features are built-in that prevent the loss of equipment if worst-case scenario does occur.
We have also fitted every system with redundant GPS trackers on the entire cleanup system, which allows us to detect when something is broken (the U-shape would look different). Should this happen, using the same trackers, we would be able to trace the parts if someone cut through the system.
Furthermore, the floater pipe is fitted with a watertight bulkhead every 24 meters. This means that, in the case of a hull breach, the system would not completely flood and sink. Every pipe section is also fitted with a leak detection sensor, which will notify us in case there is water in any of the compartments.
Regarding the screen, we fitted every screen section with two safety lines that can maintain a connection between the floater and the screen in case there is any damage to the screen or the regular screen connection.
Finally, the material we chose for the floater pipe was chosen to ensure we do not suffer any UV degradation during the lifetime of the cleanup systems. The type of polymer used (HDPE 100RC carbon black) is the same as is used in fish farm floaters, which have been in service for decades without signs of degradation.