Please select your home edition
Edition
Selden 2020 - LEADERBOARD

WasteShark, the plastic gobbling water robot, to debut at CES 2022

by RanMarine Technology 6 Jan 2022 01:18 PST
RanMarine founder and CEO Richard Hardiman © RanMarine Technology

Plastic Marine litter is one of the biggest threats to ocean life and humans. Now that there is more plastic in the water than fish, new solutions are desperately needed to radically reduce the harmful effects of microplastics. That's why the Dutch start-up RanMarine Technology is showing the WasteShark USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) at CES 2022, a floating drone designed to remove harmful plastic waste from waters and return it to shore before it can do damage.

Every year, 8 million tons of toxic plastic leak into our oceans. The UN Environmental Program predicts that this number will triple to about 35 million tons per year by 2040. RanMarine Technology, a startup of CleanTech Robotics, has come up with a solution to eradicate this pollution. The company invented multiple floating drones to clear waterways, canals, rivers and ports of plastic before it leaks into the ocean. In addition, the company is introducing a new docking station, with which the drones can independently remove plastic for 24 hours a day.

Water quality analysis

The WasteShark is designed to intelligently harvest plastic and biomass waste from urban waterways in smart cities, ports and ports. In addition to waste harvesting the drone also collects critical water quality data. The drone can be controlled directly by an operator or used in Autonomous mode. In this latter scenario, users can set the route and mission remotely via an online dashboard.

WasteShark's features

With 180 liters (47.5 gallons) of capacity and an 8-hour runtime, this hardworking robot can remove 500kg (1100lb) of waste a day. The WasteShark is also easy to use and deploy. Using 4G onboard communications and an easy setup process, launching multiple drones has been made deliberately simple and easy for customers. Additionally, the drone uses advanced battery technology ensuring emission-free operation on the water, and not adding to the water's pollution. This makes the WasteShark one of the solutions leading the way in the fight against plastic.

SharkPod Mothership

RanMarine will also introduce the SharkPod, the world's first autonomous floating docking station for waste-clearing drones, at CES 2022. With the ability to deploy, dock and charge up to 5 WasteShark drones at any time, this latest tool in pollution-fighting technology will enable ports, harbors and cities to operate a 24-hour autonomous solution to remove floating waste from the water.

With the ability to remove 1 ton of waste per drone per day, RanMarine expects the SharkPod to be capable to remove up to 100 tons or more of debris and waste per month. With the prototype unit that will be deployed in 2022, among other places in the Port of Rotterdam, drones will be able to dock, discharge waste, recharge and redeploy on a continuous 24-hour basis: all from a centrally controlled online environment.

New approach to current problems

The brainchild of RanMarine founder and CEO Richard Hardiman: "We have an epic battle on our hands. Current technologies are simply not working, we need a modern approach to a modern problem, and for me robots and autonomous drones were an easy and simple answer. Of course it's critical to create policies and strategies to stop plastic waste from entering our waterways as a primary strategy. Our WasteSharks offer a pragmatic solution for cleaning up the existing mess that is perpetuated on a daily basis, and effectively prevent waste from reaching the open ocean."

"With the release of the SharkPod, we aim to see full time deployment of WasteSharks with zero emissions and greater and quicker capture of toxic plastics in our waterways", says Hardiman. "With an ever-increasing plastic pollution challenge at hand, we need to reduce costs, increase capture rates and make these solutions ever more affordable and easier to deploy for every city and port globally."

Existing customers

RanMarine's robotic products are designed to remove plastic waste and biomass such as algae from waterways; their clients span over twelve territories and are made up of civic and commercial entities including the Port of Houston, Disney theme parks, the United Nations and local and state authorities worldwide.

RanMarine Marine will be exhibiting at CES 2022.

Related Articles

New Sun Odyssey 415 makes North American debut
See at the Annapolis Boat Show in October We're thrilled to unveil the first model of the next generation—the Sun Odyssey 415, making its North American debut at the Annapolis Boat Show in October 2025. Posted on 5 Jul
Railblaza unveils inflatable fishing kayak concept
Ready-for-anything hybrid inflatable fishing platform - The Mule RAILBLAZA, manufacturer of premium quality, user-friendly electronics, fishing and boating mounting systems and accessories, unveiled today its newest ready-for-anything hybrid inflatable fishing platform - The Mule. Posted on 3 Jul
TowBoatUS Sacramento opens in Delta Region
Provides 24/7 on-water assistance to recreational boaters California's Delta region, an incredible boating paradise and home to more than 700 miles of navigable waterways and thousands of recreational vessels, now has professional on-water assistance available with the opening of TowBoatUS Sacramento. Posted on 3 Jul
MPC announces date for Q2 2025 financial results
The Company will host a conference call to review the Company's financial and operating results Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 on Thursday, July 24, 2025 before the market opens. Posted on 3 Jul
Quick thruster & Mercury Marine integration
Mercury Joystick Piloting is compatible with applicable Quick Nautical Equipment bow thrusters Quick Nautical Equipment is proud to confirm that the integration between Quick Nautical Equipment's bow thrusters and Mercury Marine's Joystick Piloting is now officially available on the market—as originally scheduled within the first half of the year. Posted on 3 Jul
Push for advancement of Senate tax provisions
NMMA and several member companies signed a joint industry letter urging leaders to pass the bill The Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 1, marking a significant step forward for key provisions long championed by the manufacturing sector. Posted on 3 Jul
MarineMax Yachts appoints Azimut Brand Manager
Randy brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the role MarineMax Yachts announces Randy Coleman as its new Brand Manager for Azimut Yachts. Posted on 3 Jul
Grand Trawler 63
A new benchmark in elegant voyaging With the launch of the Grand Trawler 63, BENETEAU sets a new benchmark in long-distance luxury cruising. Posted on 3 Jul
CSA commits to collaboration and sustainability
This year's AGM saw participation from a diverse group of stakeholders The Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Regatta Organizers Conference, held from June 25 to June 28, 2025, in St. Maarten. Posted on 2 Jul
Letter aims to reduce harm to U.S. Manufacturing
A summary of news relevant to marine businesses across North America NMMA joined 29 leading industry associations in a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocating for revisions to the Department of Commerce's implementation of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and related derivative products. Posted on 2 Jul
Maritimo M600Allen Dynamic 40 FooterSelden 2020 - FOOTER