The Seabin Project was created by enterprising Australians to help address the huge global environmental challenge that plastic and other waste is causing to the oceans of the world. In 2017, Wärtsilä signed up – as the first big industrial company – to partner with the project.
As Atte Palomäki, Wärtsilä’s Executive Vice President, Communications & Branding, said at the time; "As one of the leading solution providers in the marine industry, we are constantly developing new environmental technology, such as plastic for fuel, which we are currently testing. However, the most important thing to remember is that every one of us can do our bit for the cleanliness of the marine environment."
Due to Wärtsilä’s Finnish heritage, the cities of Helsinki, Vaasa and Turku were part of Seabin pilot locations in April 2017. Since then, Wärtsilä has donated 40 Seabins in various locations globally. Besides Seabins donated by Wärtsilä, there are approximately 860 Seabins in total worldwide and they can capture 3 613 kilograms ocean litter every day.
In 2021, the project keeps on growing.
The Seabin is a floating waste bin that is located in the water at boat marinas, docks, harbours, and other coastal areas where it can be regularly emptied and maintained. The Seabin is collecting all floating rubbish; water is sucked in from the surface and it passes through a catch bag filter inside the Seabin. The water is then pumped back to the sea, leaving the litter and debris trapped in the catch bag for proper disposal. Hence, The Seabin requires frequent cleaning that is done by various environmentally conscious organisations in different locations. The Seabin also has the potential to collect certain amounts of the oils and liquid pollutants floating on the water surface. The Seabins are currently using 12 volt submersible water pumps, which have the option to use alternative and cleaner energy sources. This may be using solar, wave or wind power technology depending on the geographical location and current technologies available.
Read more about The Seabin Project.
