Semi-autonomus catamaran for lakes and rivers. GREENCAT demonstrator
About this good practice
The "GREENCAT" is an innovative solution to solve a major problem: plastic water pollution. The "GREENCAT" device is a self-contained floating unit designed to collect floating waste/pet waste from flowing waters. The catamaran is equipped with electronically programmed electric motors and is controlled by using radio-controlled equipment. Its construction is part of the project "Danube free plastic" which aims to leave the Danube River cleaner in the cities of Tulcea, Braila and Galati. The" Danube free plastic" project is part of the "Cu apele curate" programme, implemented by the Global Water Partnership - Global Water Partnership (GWP-ROMANIA) in partnership with the "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati, Faculty of Naval Architecture and the Naval Architecture Research Centre, the National Organization of Romanian Scouts (Lotus-Tulcea, Nufărul Alb- Brăila and Roza Vânturilor - Galați branches) and the Global Project Association with the support of Lidl Romania. The programme is a call for involvement in combating and preventing plastic pollution of the waters of the Danube and its affluents, addressed to members of the communities and public authorities in the localities concerned. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries of this GP are the inhabitants of the cities of Tulcea, Braila and Galati.
Resources needed
The project had private financing. Details can be found at https://cuapelecurate.ro/.The project team is a mixed one. They are specialists in design, automatic control, and shipbuilding.
Evidence of success
The "GREENCAT" device was presented during the Innovation and Research Fair 2021 within "Dunărea de Jos" University of Galati, held on 10-12 November 2021. As a result of the participation in this competition-event, the catamaran "Green Cat" received the bronze medal. Form concept to demonstrator.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project represents an innovative solution to solve the problem of plastic water pollution. The mechanical concept for removing of the floating wastes on the surface of lakes and rivers can be transferred to other regions that are interested to solve the problem of plastic water pollution.