The University of Georgia conducted a study that revealed that South Africa has one of the worst polluted oceans in the world. Even ranking worse than India, the entire US, and 23 European countries! V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green said that the time to tackle the waste problem in our waterways is now and they might have a secret weapon called the “WasteShark”.
But Before we go there – make sure you like our Facebook Page for more Awesome Cape Town News, views, pics and Videos:

What is a WasteShark? I hear you asking. Well, it was created by RanMarine Technology, which is the company of former KFM radio DJ, Richard Hardiman. The WasteShark is described as a ‘plastic gobbling marine drone’. It floats on the surface of the water swallowing any plastic waste it encounters. It is fully automated and because of its design, it can reach areas that we usually can’t get to. It is also more economical, compact and easier to maintain than boats. This smart drone has the capacity of collecting 500kgs of plastic litter per session. When it is full, it get’s emptied and put back in the water for another helping.

Over the past year, the WasteShark has been testing the waters in The Netherlands at the Port of Rotterdam and is now ready for the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

“We are now able to bring the WasteShark back home‚ as it were‚ thanks to the dedication of the V&A Waterfront and their sustainability values.” Said Hardiman

#WasteShark happily swimming in its new environment Cape Town, South Africa! Plastic beware! Chomp chomp! pic.twitter.com/4mP4lFnqzi

— RanMarine Technology (@RanMarineTech) December 4, 2017

They are now actively looking to launch the product in SA‚ and are talking to key local and national government entities to make it happen.

The V&A is currently testing out this ‘Shark’ in their waters in hopes to include it in their already comprehensive sustainability program. “As the country’s oldest working harbour and one of the most recognised waterfronts in the world, the V&A Waterfront is keenly aware of our responsibility to protect this natural resource.” V&A’s David Green said at the Volvo Ocean Race Ocean Summit.

The WasteShark offers a practical way in which we can ensure that plastic from the V&A harbour does not end up in the open ocean where it can become hazardous to sea life. It has rechargeable marine batteries that last for 8 hours and it is also able to measure water quality, weather and depth of the harbour basin with its sensors. To stop it from getting in the way of other ships and boats it is equipped with GIO mapping and is also able to reverse in the case of a collision.

In further efforts to reduce plastic waste, the V&A has announced on December 7, 2017, that they will be initiating a plastic-free precinct by eliminating the use of all plastic bags and bottles.

Huge news!! @VandAWaterfront CEO David Green has just announced the company’s goal to “eradicate plastic bags and bottles from the entire V&A precinct”! @volvooceanrace #turnthetideonplastic #oceansummit pic.twitter.com/MovXHeTIV1

— Two Oceans Aquarium (@2OceansAquarium) December 7, 2017

Like our Facebook Page for more Awesome Cape Town News, views, pics and Videos: