Oceans • Updates • The Ocean Cleanup

System 03: A Beginner’s Guide

This week, we deployed System 03 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch for the first time. Nearly three times larger than our previous technology and capable of cleaning the area…

General, Oceans

What Jenny Taught Us: Lessons from System 002

On 21 August 2023, System 002 (or Jenny, as we call her) returned to port for the last time as we move to the larger and upgraded System 03. After…

Camera skiff on top of the retention zone of System 002. The camera skiff helps us monitor the system from a distance.

Environment, Oceans

System 002 and Marine Life: Prevention and Mitigation

In this update we present data on our mitigation measures and our impact on the marine life over the first 12 trips of System 002, which took place between July…

General, Oceans

System 002 Signs Off for 2022 – Redeployment in Spring 2023

As we enter winter, it is time to bring our system back to port for scheduled evaluation and upgrades as part of the ongoing transition to the larger and more…

Oceans, Research

The Other Source: Where Does Plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch Come From?

Our new study published today in Scientific Reports reveals that 75% to 86% of plastic debris in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) originates from fishing activities at sea. While…

Oceans, Research

North Atlantic Microplastic Concentrations May Exceed Safe Levels for Marine Life Without Intervention

Our latest research suggests levels of microplastic pollution in the ocean water column may soon exceed safe limits for marine organisms, especially in areas of high plastic concentration.

General, Oceans

First 100,000 KG Removed From the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Today, our operation in the Pacific Ocean reached an exciting milestone: The Ocean Cleanup has now officially removed more than 100,000 kg of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch…

Rendering of the Retention Zone of System 03

General, Oceans

Transition to System 03 Begins

We are preparing for the transition from System 002 to System 03, which will serve as the blueprint for scale-up to full fleet in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Oceans, Research

Using AI to Monitor Plastic Density in the Ocean

Instead of mapping plastic pollution with trawls and airplanes, we have developed a more intelligent and effective way to detect and monitor plastic debris.

General, Oceans

System 002: Mid-Term Evaluation

After finalizing our trials, we have proven technology for our ocean operations – and we can now focus on scaling up from System 002 toward a system that is three…