TREASURE bubble curtain innovation
MULTI.engineering Maritime & Offshore is partnering with IMDC, VLIZ – Flanders Marine Institute, the city of Nieuwpoort, the province of West Flanders, and Herbosch-Kiere on the European TREASURE project. This initiative aims to intercept plastic waste in rivers before it reaches the North Sea – without obstructing navigation.
CLIENT
This initiative is part of the European TREASURE project, which stands for Targeting the REduction of plAStic oUtflow into the noRth sEa.
SCOPE
The TREASURE project aims to reduce plastic outflow into the North Sea by developing and testing a modular bubble curtain system that collects plastic waste from rivers without obstructing waterway traffic.
SPECIFICATIONS AND CHALLENGES
The bubble curtain system consists of a pressurised air tube installed on the riverbed, generating a stream of bubbles that guides floating plastic waste towards a catcher without obstructing vessel traffic. The system is engineered to function in variable tidal conditions up to five metres. Key challenges included adapting the system’s size and compressor capacity to local water depth and flow, and navigating a complex stakeholder landscape to secure approvals.
SERVICES PROVIDED
• Concept development and system design of the bubble curtain installation
• Site analysis in collaboration with IMDC to determine optimal placement
• Adjustment of system size and compressor capacity based on environmental parameters
• Coordination with local authorities and stakeholders for permitting and approvals
• Technical support during implementation and pilot testing
• Contribution to feasibility assessment for future commercial rollout
RESULT
The bubble curtain will be deployed and tested in the Ganzepoot water system in Nieuwpoort, where six waterways converge. The pilot phase provides crucial real-world data to validate earlier simulations and design assumptions. These insights will inform the optimisation and future commercialisation of the plastic catcher as an innovative and sustainable solution for reducing plastic pollution in waterways
