After seeing one too many pieces of plastic in the ocean, two avid surfers decided to do something about it, creating a “Seabin” that would collect trash, oil, fuel and detergents from the water.
We had the opportunity to chat with co founder and CEO Pete Ceglinski about the Seabin Project and the ultimate goal of pollution free oceans for future generations.
Q: How did the idea for Seabin Project come about?
A: It came about from being sick of seeing floating debris in the water of marinas around the world. We needed a practical solution that was based upstream so we could catch the litter before it went out to sea and into our oceans.
Q: How does the Seabin work?
A: It is very simple, the Seabin is attached to the floating dock and then it simply draws in water from the surface, and we then pump it out the bottom of the Seabin. As the water passes through the filter, it traps all the plastics, and litter. We are also catching surface oils with the addition of a very simple oil filter.
Pete Ceglinski
For myself and the team at Seabin, its very important to point out that Seabin’s will not fix our ocean plastics problem nor will the technology stop people from littering. We have decided to focus on a “whole solution” strategy where we have created Educational and Scientific programs combined with technology and community events.
Q: Why don’t fish and sea life get caught in the Seabins?
A: There is a possibility of marine life being pulled into the Seabin, but it is a very rare occurrence. If any fish did get pulled into the Seabin, they are normally alive as the filter is submerged in water and can be thrown back into the water. The fish tend to stay away from the surface of the water and seem to sense the current of the water near the Seabin.
Q: How much rubbish can one Seabin hold?
A: Each catch bag can hold 20Kgs of debris, the catch bag can be changed as needed and it is possible to capture up to 120Kgs of debris per day. The Seabin was designed for ergonomics of one person holding a catch bag by their side. If we go any larger then we need to reassess how the catch bag will be changed.
Q: How long do Seabins last?
Image: Instagram (@seabin_project)
A: The warranty is for two years but we are looking at a 3-5 year or more life span. The materials are extremely robust and 100% reyclable
Q: Who should be investing in Seabins?
A: Everyone! Haha, just kidding. Not everyone can buy a Seabin as they are designed for Ports, Marinas and Yacht clubs. These are our main clients. However, we have created a crowdfunding kit where its possible for people to raise money to donate a Seabin to a local marina.
Q: The Seabins have hit Australian shores – where can we expect to see them?
A: We have two demonstration purpose Seabins arriving this month and are in the process of setting up events in Australias major cities with marina access. We will be inviting everyone to come see them in action around June. The commercial Seabins should be available around Sept – Oct this year. We have some delays as the certification process is a lot more detailed than Europe and other countries.
Find out more about Seabin Project at seabinproject.com.
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