This boat was designed to collect plastic waste that floats on the surface of the oceans - a threat to marine wildlife.
MANTA is a creation of SeaCleaners, a French company founded in 2016, led by Yvan Bourgnon, a professional sailor and environmental preservation enthusiast. This boat is a cutting-edge solution that uses technology to combat ocean pollution.
It is 70 meters long, 49 meters wide and 61 meters high, making it one of the largest ocean cleaning boats in the world.
It is equipped with a manta ray-shaped waste collection system that extends across the surface of the water. This system is designed to intercept floating waste and bring it aboard the boat.
It is equipped with a sorting system that separates the waste according to size and type. Smaller waste is collected by sieving it in the water, while larger waste is collected by crane. It is then stored in special containers, sorted and recycled.
MANTA will be able to collect from 1 to 3 tons of waste per hour from a size of 10 mm, and up to one meter deep, 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. The objective is to collect between 5 and 10,000 tons of waste per year.
It is also designed to be energy efficient. The boat uses electric motors, solar panels and wind turbines to power the equipment on board.
It is also equipped with sensors and cameras to detect marine animals in the areas where it operates. When marine animals are spotted in the vicinity of the vessel, the waste collection system can be shut down to avoid injuring or capturing animals unintentionally.
In addition, MANTA is designed to minimize impacts on marine life during its ocean cleanup operations. It is equipped with electric motors that reduce noise and vibration. The boat is also equipped with LED lights that are less aggressive to marine animals than traditional lights.
MANTA is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by 2025.
It will be used in a pilot program in the Indian Ocean, where it will work with local communities to clean up coastal areas and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the oceans.