Norfolk, Va.--The technology group Wärtsilä is continuing its mission to bring the Seabin Project’s floating trash bins around the world with the installation of the first Seabin on the U.S. East Coast at Nauticus--a maritime science center in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The Seabin was donated by Wärtsilä Defense, Inc., located in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia. It will be maintained by Nauticus’ Junior Scientists’ Club, a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) after-school program for students from local junior high schools.
The Elizabeth River is home to one of the busiest commercial ports in the world, and was once one of the most polluted rivers on the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to more than a decade of cleanup efforts by non-profit, governmental, and business groups, the river’s health has improved significantly. The Seabin will contribute to the health of the waterway by cleaning as much as one ton of litter from the river each year, and future planned Seabins in the area will increase this total.
Seabins, floating trash bins located in the water at marinas, docks, yacht clubs and commercial ports, collect floating trash by drawing in water from the surface. The water is then pumped back into the marina, leaving litter and debris trapped in the Seabin’s catch bag to be disposed of properly. Seabins also have the potential to collect some of the oils and pollutants floating on the water’s surface. Seabins currently use low energy submersible water pumps that can utilize conventional, alternative and clean energy sources. These may include solar, wave or wind power, depending on the location and available technology. Wärtsilä is a pilot partner of the Seabin Project and has installed 25 Seabins globally as part of the Future of the Seas initiative.
“Wärtsilä is working to transform the world’s marine and energy industries into one connected, efficient, and ecologically sound system. Through our partnership with the Seabin Project, we can support the development and implementation of new environmental technology to improve the health of marine ecosystems,” says Aaron Bresnahan, Global Vice President of Marine Solution Sales at Wärtsilä. “We are proud to collaborate with the Nauticus Foundation to install the first of three Seabins on the Elizabeth River.”
“The installation of this Seabin is a continuation of our efforts to bring the Elizabeth River back to full health, and we are delighted to have Wärtsilä’s support,” Stephen Kirkland, Executive Director of Nauticus, says. “The students in the Junior Scientists Club, who are taking on responsibility for this Seabin, are the future of our community. They are leading the way for the next generation by raising awareness of environmental issues and working hands-on to make a positive impact.”
Seabin Project’s CEO Pete Ceglinski is excited about the educational opportunities this Seabin brings. Pete and Seabin Project have developed educational tools and resources designed to get the next generation involved in solving the problem of ocean debris. Nauticus’ foundation and teaching facility will bring these resources and awareness to the Junior Scientists Club and to the general public, helping ensure that generations to come are educated and passionate about the environment and healthy, sustainable living.
Wärtsilä will showcase the Seabin at Nauticus from October 10-21, 2018, at One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, where it will remain as a permanent installation. The public is invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. on October 10, at Nauticus.
Invited guest speakers include the Mayor and City Council of Norfolk, the Mayor and City Council of Portsmouth, and Congressmen Scott Taylor and Donald McEachin, as well as representatives from: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lynnhaven River NOW, the Elizabeth River Project, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences.
Further Information:
Wärtsilä Defense Inc.
Dave Olszewski
Director, New Business Operations
david.olszewski@wartsiladefense.com
Tel: 757-434-2233
Seabin Project
Pete Ceglinski
Managing Director & Founding Partner
pete@seabinproject.com
Tel: +61 467 515 880
Nauticus
Homer Babbitt
Chief Development Officer, Nauticus Foundation
homer.babbitt@norfolk.gov
Tel: 757-664-1046
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
Seabin in brief
Seabin and the Seabin Project are a dynamic central player in a relatively new field: macro and micro waste solutions for floating rubbish in the marine environment. Seabin's team and technology have received worldwide attention, surprising everyone when the startup crowdfunded its capital at the beginning of 2015 and its publicity video was viewed all over the world. Seabin's vision is to eliminate the need for Seabins, and it focuses on the positive effect of technology on the marine environment. The Seabin Project's slogan is "For cleaner oceans". http://www.seabinproject.com/
Nauticus in brief
Located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront, Nauticus is a maritime science museum that explores the economic, naval, and natural power of the sea. Nauticus features hands-on exhibits, marine life, 3D movies, a Stewards of the Sea exhibit exploring the Navy's environmental efforts, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, the awe-inspiring Battleship Wisconsin--one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy- and the Banana Pier Gift Shop. Nauticus is also home to the Sail Nauticus Sailing Center, the Decker Half Moone Center, and the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises. https://nauticus.org/