New partnership looking into sustainable propulsion technologies

Dutch ship design company AURELIA has partnered up with compatriot nonprofit environmental engineering organization The Ocean Cleanup to conduct a feasibility study on innovative propulsion systems.

As disclosed, the partnership aims to explore and develop technologies that will support The Ocean Cleanup’s mission to remove plastic pollution from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) while leveraging the latest in sustainable maritime propulsion technologies.

AURELIA said the feasibility study will focus on identifying and analyzing propulsion systems that align with The Ocean Cleanup’s operational needs while adhering to the highest standards of environmental sustainability. The ultimate goal is, reportedly, to provide solutions that optimize performance and reduce the carbon footprint of vessels involved in this “vital” mission.

Raffaele Frontera, CEO of AURELIA, commented: “At AURELIA, we believe in the power of collaboration to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Working alongside The Ocean Cleanup is an incredible opportunity to contribute with our expertise in sustainable ship design to a mission that aligns so closely with our values. Together, we aim to redefine what’s possible for clean and efficient maritime operations.”

Mathijs Campman, Head of Offshore Project at The Ocean Cleanup, stated: “In order for us to achieve our mission, we are now seeking support from AURELIA to secure new vessels for our extraction operations in the GPGP, which will enable us to utilise greater deck space and achieve higher fuel efficiency. As part of the process, we are currently carrying out a feasibility study with AURELIA, a leader in sustainable maritime solutions, to develop technologies to support our ambitious plans.”

To note, The Ocean Cleanup is developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. The company’s aim is to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.

The GPGP is the largest of the five offshore plastic accumulation zones in the world’s oceans. It is located halfway between Hawaii and California. According to The Ocean Plastic, not only does plastic pollution in the GPGP pose risks for the safety and health of marine animals, but there are health and economic implications for humans as well.

In September 2024, the organization confirmed that the cleanup of the GPGP is not only possible but also achievable at a projected cost of $7.5 billion.

Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, highlighted at the time: “Clean oceans can be achieved in a manageable time and for a clear cost. Through the hard work of the past 10 years, humanity has the tools needed to clean up the ocean. We have shown the world that the impossible is now possible.”

“The only missing thing is who will ensure this job gets done. We call upon the world to relegate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to the history books. This environmental catastrophe has been allowed to exist, unresolved, for too long, and for the first time, we can tell the world what it costs, what is needed and how long it could take. It is time for action.”