MMS Workboats has launched the Envirocat All-Electric Eco 8.5, a plastic and debris collection vessel.
Designed to make waterways cleaner and support sustainable industries such as fish farming and aquaculture, the 8.5m vessel can be operated by a single user, enabling efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly clearance of plastic and flotsam from the water’s surface.
The vessel, developed in conjunction with naval architecture firm Rockabill Marine Design, was created by Rob Langton, managing director at MMS, in response to the increasing need for plastic removal from waterways worldwide.
Recent studies found 5,000 pieces of plastic and 150 plastic bottles for each mile of UK beaches, with most of this waste entering seas and oceans through rivers and inland waterways. According to the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme report in 2021, there is an estimated 75 million to 199 million tons of plastic in the world’s oceans. Predictions show the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could more than double from an estimated 19 million-23 million tons per year in 2016 to around 53 million tons per year by 2030.
Langton said, “The Envirocat All-Electric Eco 8.5 is the latest version of our popular Envirocat pollution control range, and marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. We are proud to introduce a zero-emission vessel that not only helps clean our waterways but also supports the growth of eco-conscious industries like aquaculture, without a hefty price tag. This launch underscores our dedication to providing efficient, reliable and eco-friendly solutions to our customers.”
Powered by two electric outboards, the vessel produces zero emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Designed to efficiently collect floating plastic and debris from the water’s surface, the vessel can hold up to 3m³ of waste, reducing marine pollution. This versatile vessel is ideal for a wide range of applications, including clearing harbors, ports, marinas, lakes and canals, as well as supporting fish farming and aquaculture operations as a general workboat.
Alongside the ability to easily support an eight-hour working day, the operational cost of the Envirocat All-Electric Eco 8.5 is impressively low, at just £2 (US$2.40) per hour (based on 2023 UK electric costs of £0.34 (US$0.41) per kWh). The vessel features a user-friendly wheelhouse with tinted bonded windows, offering excellent visibility. Digital and color indicators provide essential information such as RPM, power consumption, distance and speed.
Built to British shipbuilding standards, the catamarans are constructed with marine-grade aluminum, ensuring both durability and longevity while keeping maintenance costs to a minimum.
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