SeeKuh

SeeKuh

The SeeKuh I

The SeeKuh is the central cleaning vessel of the “Maritime waste collection” and is used in coastal regions and estuaries. In 2016, SeeKuh I in Lübeck was completed and solemnly christened. In the meantime, she has had numerous missions in the Baltic Sea and in 2018 in Hong Kong.

The ship, also based on the catamaran shape, has a size of 12 x 10 meters. Between the two hulls are hung specially developed lowerable mesh constructions with meshes of 2.5 cm size. They collect the plastic waste up to a depth of 2 meters. Currently, up to two tons of garbage can be collected per trip or network.

SeeKuh I is the first seaworthy research, cleaning and reconnaissance vessel in the world to be approved by DNV / GL (a type of TÜV for ships). The special ship can be disassembled and stored in four 40-foot containers. This makes the SeeKuh extremely flexible and can be used worldwide. It is powered by two engines that are still conventional in the prototype. In the future, however, SeeKühe will be powered by solar or wind power.

With a speed of up to two knots, the SeeKuh travels practically at a pace on a collective journey. This is not only energy efficient, but also gives larger marine animals the opportunity to escape from the grid while smaller organisms pass through the netmeshes.

In addition to the collection of plastic waste, water analyses on board are another important aspect. On deck there is a small laboratory where water samples can be examined directly with an infrared spectrometer for plastic to find out what kind of plastic the SeeKuh collects.

Circular Explorer

The solar-powered waste collection vessel, formerly known as SeeKuh II, will operate under the name ‘Circular Explorer’ following its official christening on July 21, 2021.

Innovative collection concept

To effectively collect large areas, oeoo has developed another collection technique, a type of towed array. Two motorized boats, such as local fishing vessels or conventional workboats, tow a SeeKuh with a conveyor belt through the polluted operational area. Floating barriers are attached between the tow boats and the SeeKuh. This creates a funnel-like structure, directing the marine debris towards the conveyor belt of the SeeKuh.

By operating in tandem on both sides of the pollution source, the crossing and associated stirring up of marine debris can be prevented. In this configuration, the SeeKuh does not require its own propulsion.

With music we take on plastic!

A Million Miles Away

With "A Million Miles Away," we are taking the fight against plastic waste to a musical level, aiming to raise awareness and spread our message through our song.

Take a moment to listen!