The Maersk-Launcher: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a landmark moment for marine conservation, the inaugural large-scale ocean cleanup initiative is on its way to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch after successfully completing test runs off the coast of California. Announced on Wednesday by The Ocean Cleanup Project, System 001 departed from San Francisco on September 8 and is now en route to tackle the significant issue of ocean plastic pollution. The ambitious cleanup effort is being facilitated by the Maersk Launcher, provided by A.P. Moller-Maersk and chartered by DeepGreen. System 001 features a remarkable 600-meter-long (2,000 ft) U-shaped floating barrier equipped with a three-meter (10 ft) skirt that is designed to passively collect and concentrate floating debris. Positioned about 1,200 nautical miles offshore, this trailblazing system may be the first of up to 60 units aimed at addressing the environmental challenges presented by plastic waste in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch over the next two years. Utilizing the natural forces of wind and waves, System 001 will function similarly to a giant Pac-Man, moving slightly faster than plastic debris and effectively skimming the ocean surface. The unique design ensures that accumulated plastic is channeled towards the center of the system for efficient collection. As this innovative project sets sail, it holds the promise of making a significant impact on ocean cleanup efforts.

On the morning of September 10, 2018, the Maersk Launcher departed San Francisco, embarking on a significant journey with the Ocean Cleanup System 001. This initiative aims to combat ocean pollution at a designated Pacific location where the innovative design will undergo its initial testing phase. The vessel operates at a steady speed of 3.5 knots. If the trials prove successful, System 001 will be towed into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, with hopes of collecting up to 50 tonnes of debris in its first year. The overarching vision includes the creation of 60 similar units, which are projected to remove half of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch over a five-year period. This cutting-edge technology has yet to be validated in real-world conditions, making this experimental phase crucial. Equipped with radar reflectors and warning lights, System 001 is designed with safety in mind, ensuring no disruption to maritime traffic or harm to marine wildlife. Notably, Maersk Supply Service is generously supporting this endeavor by operating the ship at no cost to the project.

In an exciting development for maritime exploration, a vessel from Maersk Supply Service has set sail from San Diego for its inaugural deep sea mining expedition in the Pacific Ocean's ultra-deep waters. This mission marks a pivotal collaboration between Maersk Supply Service and DeepGreen, a pioneering deep sea metal company, which began back in 2017. The focus of their partnership has been on devising sustainable techniques for extracting polymetallic nodules—small metallic rocks that lie on the ocean floor. These nodules are rich in essential metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, and nickel, materials that are crucial for electronics manufacturing and renewable energy technologies. The AHTS vessel, named Maersk Launcher, will be operating in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, reaching depths of 4,500 meters. Notably, the ship is equipped with advanced Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP2) technology, ensuring precision operations throughout this ambitious mineral study.