Case Study: The Ocean Cleanup improves plastic cleanup operations with Sofar Ocean metocean data

The Ocean Cleanup removes 1.78 million kg of trash with Sofar Ocean

The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit developing technologies to rid the ocean of plastic, faced the challenge of operating efficiently in the remote and volatile conditions of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. To optimize their cleanup system's deployment and plastic extraction, they needed accurate, real-time data on metocean conditions and plastic drift patterns. They turned to Sofar Ocean and its Spotter buoys and marine weather data services.

Sofar Ocean's solution provided critical real-time wave observations and forecast validation via its API. This data directly informed key operational decisions, including safe extraction windows and the optimal route for the cleanup system. By using Sofar's data to resolve conflicting forecasts, The Ocean Cleanup increased operational efficiency and safety, reducing the cost per kg of plastic collected and helping them remove over 1.78 million kg of trash from the oceans.

The Ocean Cleanup