The Ocean Cleanup’s System 001/B was successfully trialled in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch last month. But removing plastic already in the ocean is just part of the challenge. At an event last week, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the not for profit organisation revealed the InterceptorTM. This breakthrough technology aims to address marine plastic earlier in the cycle by capturing and removing it from rivers.

World's dirtiest rivers

Jakarta’s rivers are acknowledged to be some of the world’s most polluted. As a result, the city was chosen as the pilot location for the new scheme.

Engaged as onsite project manager, coastal and reclamation engineer at Royal HaskoningDHV, Bagus Paramanadara has played an important part in getting the pilot scheme underway smoothly, including support with obtaining licences and any other in-country negotiations.

Talking about the announcement, Bagus said: “This has been a very exciting project and I was delighted to be part of the launch. This technology shows great promise and we fully expect it to make a significant difference to the amount of plastic entering the ocean.”

Enhancing society

Royal HaskoningDHV is committed to enhancing both communities and environment through the delivery of efficient designs that both minimize negative environmental impacts and maximize positive social ones.

In Indonesia, the government recently pledged to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2025. Royal HaskoningDHV is part of a World Bank funded project aimed at providing a baseline from which progress towards this ambitious target can be measured. The results will help inform the future policy framework.

Bagus continued: “Our experience in Indonesia and knowledge of the regulatory requirements and technical issues that might arise in the country – along with our understanding of the issue of plastic waste – positions us well to support The Ocean Cleanup’s ground-breaking technology. Today’s announcement could mark a key moment in the fight against pollution.”