With approximately 25 million tons of plastic waste polluting our oceans and over 90% of marine litter resting on the seafloor, tackling this issue has never been more urgent. The SeaClear 2.0 project is at the forefront of innovation, combining robotics, AI, and sustainability to develop ground-breaking solutions for cleaning our oceans.

The Mission to Restore Our Oceans

SeaClear 2.0 addresses one of the Mediterranean Sea’s most pressing issues: plastic pollution. Every year, an estimated 600,000 tons of macroplastics and microplastics enter European seas, with the Mediterranean being the hardest hit due to its semi-enclosed geography and intense coastal activity.

As part of the European Mission to restore, protect, and preserve the health of our oceans, seas, and waters by 2030, SeaClear 2.0 is pioneering a comprehensive approach to reduce marine litter. The project aims to:

• Decrease pollution in the Mediterranean and beyond.

• Advance innovative, cost-effective solutions for ocean clean up.

• Demonstrate collaboration between the original SeaClear and its enhanced successor, SeaClear 2.0.

• Engage stakeholders, empower citizens, and provide actionable policy recommendations.

Subsea Tech’s Contribution to SeaClear 2.0

As a key partner in the project, Subsea Tech brings its expertise in autonomous and robotic systems to support SeaClear 2.0’s mission. The company provides two advanced robotic solutions:

SeaCAT USV

The SeaCAT is an autonomous and remote-controlled Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) that serves as the central hub for SeaClear 2.0. It coordinates and deploys multiple robotic assets to detect, classify, and collect marine litter.

• Dimensions: L 6.83 m x W 3.1 m x H 2.15 m
• Weight: 1,200 kg (without payload and fuel)
• Fuel capacity: 400 l
• Payload capacity: 500 kg
• Max. speed: 6 knots
• Endurance: Up to 10 days
• Sea state tolerance: Up to sea state 3 (operation), 5 (transit)
• Deployed systems:
o Mini TORTUGA ROV for underwater mapping and environmental monitoring
o Autonomous UAV for aerial mapping and detection
o Motorised Grapple system for handling marine waste up to 250 kg
o Collecting net for floating debris

Mini TORTUGA ROV

The Mini TORTUGA is a compact and highly manoeuvrable Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) deployed by the SeaCAT to map the seafloor and identify debris before collection operations.

• Max. depth: 300 m
• Dimensions: L 672 mm x W 310 mm x H 381 mm
• Weight: 19 kg (ROV only)
• Max. speed: 4 knots
• Mission: Underwater mapping, debris detection, and environmental monitoring
• Sensors: Full HD video, high-resolution imaging sonar, side-scan sonar, magnetometer

By integrating these cutting-edge robotic solutions, SeaClear 2.0 can autonomously detect, classify, and collect marine litter, even in challenging underwater environments. The system is capable of operating at depths of up to 300 meters and lifting objects weighing up to 250 kilograms.

Revolutionising Ocean Cleanup

SeaClear 2.0 is a direct evolution of the Horizon 2020-funded SeaClear project. With its fleet of autonomous surface and underwater robots, it represents a technological breakthrough in ocean clean-up efforts. By leveraging AI and robotics, the project supports the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, aiming to reduce plastic litter by 50% and microplastics by 30% by 2030.

Furthermore, the project aligns with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, ensuring that marine litter no longer poses a threat to marine ecosystems and human activities.

Looking Ahead

As SeaClear 2.0 enters its second phase, the project is preparing for its first system pilot in Hamburg, Germany, in May 2025. Following this, the technology will be demonstrated across five Mediterranean locations, Marseille, Venice, Dubrovnik, Ashdod and Tarragona, where it will prove its versatility in diverse underwater environments. These pilots will also highlight the SeaCAT’s potential for future applications, including geotechnical surveys, seabed mapping, and marine environmental monitoring.

About Subsea Tech

Subsea Tech is a leader in innovative underwater technologies, specializing in tailored solutions for infrastructure inspection and environmental restoration. Known for its agility and rapid response, the company is a trusted partner in advancing sustainable marine operations worldwide. With its SeaCAT USV and Mini TORTUGA ROV, Subsea Tech is contributing to the future of autonomous marine clean-up solutions, helping industries and governments meet their environmental objectives.

For more information, visit https://www.seaclear2.eu/ or contact us at [email protected]