Netherlands-based RanMarine Technology is on a mission to clean up the world’s waters with its innovative autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and collaborative ventures. Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman shared the company’s progress during an in-depth interview with Inside Marine.
RanMarine’s ASVs are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for our waterways. “RanMarine was established in 2016 with a clear mission to rid our waters of plastic,” explained Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman. “While we began with a focused goal, our technology has since evolved, allowing us to address broader aquatic environmental challenges.”
RanMarine’s speciality lies in creating waterborne robots, also known as Autonomous Surface Vehicles, that focus on cleaning floating pollution out of waterways, both inland and coastal. Founder and CEO Richard Hardiman was inspired to start the company after observing people using nets to fish rubbish from water. A firm believer in using technology to replace mundane tasks, Hardiman set out to address the inefficiency he saw: “I wanted to solve that inefficiency rather than a pollution problem.”
RanMarine, a Dutch startup, offers innovative solutions to fight water pollution. It has developed autonomous water-cleaning devices that not only effectively remove plastic waste but also address other major environmental challenges such as oil pollution and harmful algae blooms.
The plastic waste challenge
Initially, RanMarine focused mainly on tackling floating plastic pollution. The company devised a device that would autonomously navigate the water’s surface and collect plastics, like a robotic vacuum cleaner cleaning a floor.
The team quickly discovered a crucial insight about water pollution priorities: even if removing floating plastic waste remained vital for long-term environmental health, the lack of direct accountability meant that few people were willing to fund its cleanup. But ‘when we expanded our scope to tackle immediate threats like toxic algae blooms – which directly impact local businesses, drinking water, and public health – we found eager customers ready to invest in solutions,’ explains Richard Hardiman, CEO of RanMarine.
Today, RanMarine’s main clients are a mix of marinas and ports, city offices and municipalities, and several commercial clients. This shift revealed the true potential of scaling up their technology.
CEO Richard Hardiman
It’s not just plastic that needs to be cleaned up
As the company shifted focus to include algae removal, ‘we suddenly found that there was a lot of government focus on removal’ of harmful algae blooms, particularly in the USA and Europe. Richard says: ‘Our systems could do exactly the same thing, and the need was urgent and had available funding.’
RanMarine has developed two main platforms for their anti-pollution robots, the smaller WasteShark and the newer, larger, MegaShark platform. Both products are commercially available and are purchased depending on the clients’ needs for bigger or smaller units.
The flexibility of RanMarine’s technology became its biggest asset: their Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) are able to target several pollutants with minimal modifications. This adaptability has proven invaluable, as it has allowed the company to enter different markets and scale up without having to overhaul their entire product line.
Collecting data on water quality
Moreover, their ASVs are capable of collecting detailed water quality data while cleaning. By pairing the advanced GPS systems of the ASV and water probes, they were able to measure parameters such as pH levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. ‘We suddenly realised that we could build up cloud maps of what is in the water while we’re cleaning it,’ Hardiman says.
After securing private investment, RanMarine is now looking at the public and listed markets as options to raise capital.
The mentorship and strategic guidance from BlueInvest have been instrumental in this development. ‘BlueInvest is great when it comes to understanding the investor perspective,’ says Hardiman. ‘Our coach was really knowledgeable and showed us that you can have the perfect innovation and technology, but if you can’t make yourself understood in a pitch, then it won’t matter.’
While RanMarine had originally focused largely on the R&D process, their BlueInvest coach helped them to focus more on the business side in order to seek further investment.
Beyond the individual coaching, Hardiman also found value in the BlueInvest webinars, where industry experts and fellow entrepreneurs shared insights on scaling, securing funding, and navigating the blue economy. ‘Hearing from other startups about their challenges and how they overcame them helped put things into perspective. You don’t feel like you’re figuring everything out alone.’
BlueInvest
BlueInvest is the EU’s innovation and investment platform for the blue economy, offering business coaching, fundraising support, and networking opportunities for ocean technology companies. Interested individuals can register with the BlueInvest Community to explore programme features and opportunities or contact lu-blueinvest@pwc.lu.
Trash Trapping Program rids Toronto Harbour of 175,000+ pieces of plastic in 2024
PortsToronto’s Trash Trapping Program has emerged as a beacon of environmental innovation, showcasing how technology and collaboration can effectively combat waterway pollution. Since its inception in 2019, the program has made significant strides in removing plastic debris and other contaminants from Toronto Harbour, preventing these pollutants from reaching Lake Ontario and beyond.
A Multifaceted Approach to Pollution Control
The Trash Trapping Program utilizes a combination of advanced technologies and manual efforts to address the pervasive issue of floating debris. Key tools include Seabins, WasteShark aquadrones, and LittaTrap catch basin filters. Seabins, essentially floating garbage bins, are deployed at strategic locations along Toronto’s waterfront to suck in trash from the water’s surface. WasteSharks, nicknamed “Ebb” and “Flow,” are remote-controlled aquadrones that skim the water for floating debris. Meanwhile, LittaTraps are installed in storm drains to capture plastics before they even enter the waterways.
Complementing these technologies is manual skimming, which involves physically removing large debris and invasive plants that accumulate microplastics. Together, these efforts have created a robust system for intercepting waste at multiple points along its journey to the lake.
PortsToronto staff empty a WasteShark aquadrone of floating debris captured during a Trash Trapping Program mission in the Peter Street Basin on the Toronto waterfront. The materials collected by trash traps are counter and characterized by U of T Trash Team researchers. (CNW Group/PortsToronto)
Impressive Results
The program’s achievements speak volumes about its effectiveness. Between May and October 2024 alone, over 600 kilograms of anthropogenic debris—waste created by human activities—were removed from Toronto Harbour. This included more than 100,000 small pieces of plastic, such as bottle caps, foam fragments from food containers, cigarette butts, and even larger items like fatbergs. In earlier years, similar efforts removed tens of thousands of pieces of plastic annually, underscoring the program’s consistent impact.
Notably, the introduction of WasteSharks in 2023 proved particularly effective. In just three trials during their pilot phase, these aquadrones collected approximately 20 kilograms of marine debris. Combined with ongoing efforts by Seabins and other devices, the program has become a critical tool in reducing microplastics and other pollutants in Toronto’s waterways.
Research-Driven Innovation
A cornerstone of the Trash Trapping Program is its partnership with the University of Toronto Trash Team (U of T Trash Team). Researchers from the team meticulously analyse the materials collected by trash traps to identify sources and trends in pollution. This data-driven approach not only informs solutions-based research but also supports policy changes aimed at reducing waste at its source.
For instance, researchers have identified that much of the floating debris originates from stormwater run-off, industrial activities, and improperly managed waste bins near water edges. Insights like these have led to targeted community outreach programs designed to increase waste literacy and encourage better disposal practices.
Expanding Impact Beyond Toronto
The success of PortsToronto’s initiative has inspired similar programs across the Great Lakes region and beyond. As part of the International Trash Trapping Network led by Ocean Conservancy and U of T Trash Team, lessons learned from Toronto are being applied globally to combat plastic pollution in urban waterways.
Moreover, PortsToronto’s efforts align with broader strategies like the Toronto Inner Harbour Floatables Strategy. This collaborative framework brings together various stakeholders to reduce floating litter through innovative methods and strategic placement of trash traps.
Looking Ahead
As the program enters its seventh year in 2025, PortsToronto is set to expand its capabilities further. Plans include adding three new fixed trash-trapping devices to its existing fleet of seven Seabins and two WasteSharks. These additions will enhance coverage along Toronto’s waterfront and Outer Harbour Marina.
The continued success of this initiative underscores the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with research-driven strategies and community engagement, PortsToronto is not only cleaning up local waterways but also setting a global example for sustainable urban water management.
RanMarine’s Autonomous Surface Vessels: Transforming Water Management in the UAE
Feb 2025
Dubai Burj Khalifa fountain
RanMarine Technology, a pioneer in autonomous water cleaning solutions, is making waves in the United Arab Emirates with its innovative Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs). The company’s WasteShark and MegaShark drones are transforming water management practices in marinas, harbours, and waterways across the region.
Smart Solutions for Smart Cities
As Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other UAE locations continue to embrace smart city initiatives, RanMarine’s ASVs offer an intelligent approach to water cleaning and data collection. These drones not only remove floating waste and algae but can also be equipped with sensors to monitor water quality, supporting the UAE’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
Enhancing Marina and Golf Estate Environments
The first WasteShark, a 1.6-meter long marine drone, made its mark in Dubai Marina back in 2018. Capable of catching up to 160L of waste per trip and operating for 6-8 hours on a single emission-free battery charge, it continues to efficiently clean hard-to-reach areas between boats and piers. These ASVs are ideal solutions for the UAE’s numerous marinas, including the expansive Dubai Harbour with its 1,100 berths, or the 227-berth Yas Marina, home to Abu Dhabi’s F1 Circuit.
The Emirates’ prized golf estates with water features can also benefit from RanMarine’s technology. The ASVs can maintain the aesthetic appeal of these water bodies while ensuring their ecological health and monitoring pH levels and run-off from fertilized fairways, aligning with the UAE’s focus on responsible luxury developments.
WasteShark cruising the local marina
Advancing Aquatic Conservation
RanMarine’s partnership with RV Consultancy in the UAE, announced in November 2024, marked a significant step towards enhancing aquatic ecosystem health and supporting the nation’s sustainable tourism goals. This collaboration helps to address the UAE’s drive to deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The MegaShark: A Game-Changer for Larger Waterways
RanMarine’s latest commercial vessel, the MegaShark, offers even greater capacity for waste collection. This robust industrial aluminium vessel, with its ability to hold up to 880 litres or 440 kg of waste per trip, represents a five-fold increase over the WasteShark model. This makes it particularly suitable for larger waterways and coastal areas in the UAE.
By deploying these advanced ASVs, marina operators, coastal resorts, golf estates, and municipal authorities in the UAE can significantly improve their water management practices. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also contributes to the broader goals of marine conservation and sustainable tourism.
Marina Maintenance: How Autonomous Surface Vessels are Making Waves
World Marina – Dec 2024
In the competitive world of marina management, maintaining pristine waters is more than just an environmental responsibility—it’s a business imperative. Innovative Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are transforming how marinas approach water cleanliness and environmental stewardship. These cutting-edge technologies offer a compelling solution to the persistent challenge of marine debris and water pollution in marinas.
ASVs can autonomously navigate through marina waters, efficiently collecting floating trash, plastics, and organic matter. Capable of removing significant quantities of waste daily, these vessels substantially reduce the manual labor traditionally required for water maintenance.
One of the key advantages of ASVs is their versatility. Their compact size allows them to access areas between docked boats and in tight corners where traditional cleaning methods struggle to reach. This ensures comprehensive coverage of the marina, leaving no area untouched in the pursuit of cleanliness.
Beyond debris collection, leading ASVs can serve as valuable data-gathering tools. When equipped with sensors, they can monitor water quality parameters in real-time, providing marina managers with crucial information about their aquatic environment. This data can be instrumental in identifying pollution sources and implementing targeted solutions.
The electric-powered operation of many ASVs aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the marine industry. Their zero-emission functionality not only maintains clean waters but also contributes to a marina’s green credentials, potentially attracting environmentally conscious boat owners and visitors.
Importantly, ASVs operate quietly and unobtrusively, ensuring they don’t disturb marina patrons or wildlife. Their autonomous capability allows for continuous operation, maintaining water cleanliness round the clock without increasing labor costs.
By incorporating ASVs into their maintenance toolkit, marinas can demonstrate their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances the cleanliness and aesthetics of marina waters but also positions the marina as a leader in sustainable maritime practices.
Key Benefits of ASV Deployment in Marinas:
Efficient Debris Removal: Collects substantial amounts of waste daily.
Versatile Cleaning: Removes floating trash, plastics, and organic matter.
Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Cleans between docked boats and in tight spaces.
Environmental Data Collection: Possibility to gather real-time water quality data.
Autonomous Operation: Reduces labor costs and allows continuous cleaning.
Non-Disruptive: Quiet operation doesn’t disturb marina patrons or wildlife.
Cost-Effective: More efficient than traditional manual cleaning methods.
Enhanced Marina Appeal: Maintains clean, attractive waters for patrons.
Innovative Image: Demonstrates commitment to cutting-edge solutions.
Comprehensive Coverage: Ensures no area of the marina is left uncleaned.
Data-Driven Management: Provides insights for targeted pollution solutions.
Suppliers Identified for Blue-Green Algae Solutions in Ireland
RanMarine is thrilled to announce our collaboration with 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 and Eget Liber as part of a consortium selected among five successful tenders for a groundbreaking initiative to tackle cyanobacteria in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland. A £450,000 grant is funding the initial phase of a project to evaluate potential solutions for combating cyanobacteria/ Blue-Green algae blooms in water bodies. These harmful algal growths produce toxins that pose significant risks to both aquatic ecosystems and human health, necessitating effective intervention strategies.
Our innovative approach combines the strengths of all three partners to effectively address this challenge:
RanMarine Technology will deploy its world-leading Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV), equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, to enable efficient monitoring and real-time data collection of cyanobacteria blooms. The ASV acts as a mobile platform that can operate autonomously, facilitating precise mapping and targeted treatment of algal growth.
𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 brings expertise in biotechnology and will integrate their proven methodologies to develop a tailored treatment strategy for Lough Neagh. Their focus on innovative techniques ensures that the holistic solution is both effective and environmentally sustainable.
Eget Liber will contribute its patented non-chemical Staged Flow Treatment System (SFTS), which effectively disrupts and eradicates cyanobacteria in situ while preserving the surrounding ecosystem. The SFTS is designed to operate within the upper water column, targeting the conditions where cyanobacteria thrive, thereby reducing water toxicity and nutrient levels.
Together, our fleet-based solution maximises efficiency and ensures rapid response times while adhering to strict environmental protocols. This first-phase assessment is crucial in identifying the best suitable solutions to enhance the long-term water quality of Lough Neagh and safeguard its natural ecosystems.
We are proud to be part of this important initiative and look forward to making a positive impact on Ireland’s water bodies!
Elevating Golf Course Management: The Revolutionary Role of Autonomous Surface Vessels
US Golf Monthly
Image: Golf Estate and water feature
Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are revolutionizing water feature maintenance in golf courses and golf estates, offering an efficient and non-disruptive solution for keeping waterways clean. These modern devices are transforming how golf clubs manage their water hazards and ornamental ponds, combining advanced technology with environmental stewardship.
ASVs excel in accessing hard-to-reach areas of water bodies, thanks to their compact size and exceptional maneuverability. This allows for comprehensive cleaning of water features, maintaining their aesthetic appeal and playability. The autonomous nature of these vessels significantly reduces the need for manual labor, enabling groundskeeping staff to focus on other critical aspects of course maintenance.
One of the key advantages of ASVs is their ability to operate continuously for extended periods, maximizing cleaning efficiency without increasing labor costs or disrupting play. This continuous operation ensures that water features remain pristine, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Beyond debris removal, leading ASV manufacturers are able to use mobile sensors for water quality monitoring. Equipped with advanced technology, they collect real-time data on various water quality parameters. This information is invaluable for golf course managers, enabling data-driven decisions about water management, algae control, and overall ecosystem health of their water features.
The use of ASVs aligns perfectly with modern golf course management practices, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and sustainable course maintenance. By deploying these smart devices, golf clubs can enhance the overall playing experience, potentially increasing member satisfaction and the club’s appeal to prospective members and tournament organizers.
Image: WasteShark ASV clearing excessive algae build-up
As golf clubs and country clubs worldwide strive to balance environmental stewardship with exceptional playing conditions, technologies like ASVs offer a promising solution. They represent a smart, efficient, and sustainable approach to water feature management, paving the way for healthier, more beautiful golf courses that meet the high standards of today’s discerning golfers.
For golf course managers looking to elevate their water management practices, exploring the latest ASV technologies could be a game-changing decision. These innovative solutions not only address current maintenance challenges but also position golf courses at the forefront of sustainable and efficient operations.
RanMarine Launches the MegaShark to Address $20Billion Market Opportunity for Waterway Clean-Up
Press Release
For Immediate Release
[Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 8, 2024] – RanMarine Technology (“RanMarine” or the “Company), a pioneer in autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) designed to clean ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments, today announced the commercial launch of the MegaShark, an innovative mid-sized, electric-powered vessel set to revolutionize aquatic clean-up efforts.
The latest addition to RanMarine’s fleet of ASVs, the rechargeable MegaShark vessel is specifically engineered to efficiently capture and remove floating waste, algae, and biomass from waterways. With significantly increased capacity over prior models, the MegaShark is designed as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for use in a wide range of environments including harbors, ports, marinas, rivers, canals, lakes, and other waterways.
The MegaShark offers versatile operation modes, including onboard, remote control from shore, and autonomous navigation with LiDAR-based collision avoidance, ensuring efficient performance for various tasks. Designed with a shallow draft and a unique catamaran hull, it features an efficient waste-basket capture system, allowing it to hold up to 880 liters/440kg of waste, a greater than five-fold increase over the WasteShark ASV. The vessel’s base battery configuration supports up to 8 hours of operation, extendable to 16 hours, and it utilizes RanMarine’s proven navigation and autonomous software.
“We continually strive to simplify our customers’ operations, reduce costs, and enhance waste collection efficiency,” stated Richard Hardiman, CEO and founder of RanMarine. “The MegaShark complies with new sustainable fuel legislation and can deploy advanced water-quality sensors, providing crucial data feedback that helps our clients understand and maximize their environmental impact. Its rapid deployment capabilities and efficient waste collection system help mitigate long-term environmental damage, promoting healthier aquatic ecosystems, while the vessel’s 100% recyclable aluminum hull enhances its sustainability.”
Operating in over 30 countries, RanMarine’s waterway cleaning solutions are trusted by a diverse array of clients including corporate, governmental, and environmental organizations. Key partners and clients include Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, BIC Services, Port of Halifax and Dallas County. This widespread adoption underscores the reliability and effectiveness of RanMarine’s solutions, which address a $20 billion market opportunity around the world.
About RanMarine:
RanMarine empowers organizations worldwide to restore aquatic environments to their natural state through the design and development of data-driven autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) that specialize in cleaning ports, harbors, lakes, rivers and other near-shore environments. RanMarine’s proprietary ASVs, designed to efficiently remove floating waste pollution and algae/biomass from waterways, are currently operating in over 30 countries, with corporate and government clients including Walt Disney, Hudson River Park, PortsToronto, Babcock Marine Naval Bases UK, and Port of Houston. RanMarine’s WasteShark ASV can be operated either autonomously or manually via handheld remote control. RanMarine’s new MegaShark ASV, which boasts five to seven times the capacity of the WasteShark, is now available for sale and offers the option of either onboard operation, remote control or autonomous operation*. Additionally, the company anticipates beginning shipments of its OilShark ASV in early 2025, a vessel designed to enable rapid removal of oil spills from waterways. All RanMarine’s ASVs can be outfitted with over 15 different sensors for customized data collection needs, offer fast and simple deployment, and provide substantial cost savings compared to traditional alternatives. * MegaShark’s full Autonomous operation will be released in late 2024
RanMarine’s Subscription Model Takes to Yorkshire waters
4/7/24 Leeds, UK – RanMarine is pleased to announce the deployment of our innovative WasteShark in the Leeds Waterfront. In collaboration with Canal Connections, this initiative marks a significant milestone for both RanMarine and the UK’s environmental efforts, leveraging our cutting-edge technology to provide continuous and efficient water cleaning services through a subscription model.
WasteShark Launch in Leeds – 🎦@nationalworldlocaltv – Daily Motion
A Yorkshire First:
– Technological Innovation: The WasteShark features advanced GPS, LIDAR collision avoidance technology, and a camera, making it a state-of-the-art tool for waterway maintenance.
– Data Collection: This initiative will be the first in Yorkshire to systematically record the types and quantities of waste collected.
– Canal Rivers Trust Approval: This project is the first use of such technology approved by the Canal Rivers Trust on Yorkshire waterways.
– Social Impact: Partnering with Canal Connections, this project involves local communities in sustainability efforts.
Support and Collaboration:
The Leeds Waterfront Group, part of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Property and Economic Forum, spearheaded this project with support from local businesses, Leeds City Council, and Leeds Civic Trust. Paul Ellison, Chair of the Leeds Waterfront Group, stated, “We are very pleased to have put this innovative project together. It will generate real benefits for the city and highlight the importance of keeping our waterways clean and attractive.”
Project Supporters and Sponsors:
This initiative is co-funded by several organizations, including Addleshaw Goddard, Biffa Waste Services, Bupa Foundation, CPW, Leeds Creative District, Iseepr, Leeds City Council, Leeds Civic Trust, Mott Macdonald, Vastint UK, VTR North, and Yorkshire Design Group. Canal Connections will manage the WasteShark’s operations, while Biffa Waste Services will handle waste recycling and disposal. KISS Branding has contributed expert design support.
About RanMarine WasteShark:
Inspired by the whale shark, the WasteShark collects up to 500kg of waste per day from the water’s surface. Powered by electric motors, it operates remotely or autonomously, making it an eco-friendly solution for water pollution. RanMarine, headquartered in Rotterdam, specialises in innovative aquatic drones designed to clean and maintain water bodies. This collaboration signifies both a technological solution and a commitment to preserving our waterways for future generations.
