After 273 scale model tests, six at-sea prototypes, a comprehensive mapping of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with 30 vessels and an airplane, and several technology iterations, we are now ready to put the world’s first ocean cleanup system to the test.
On September 8, the team will launch the world’s first ocean cleanup system from our assembly yard in Alameda, through the San Francisco Bay, toward the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. To celebrate this historic moment, we would like to invite you to watch the deployment live, either online or in person. The livestream will be available on this page, starting at noon PDT / 3 pm EDT / 9 pm CEST. See the timeline and trajectory below.
1- The assembly of System 001 was finalized on August 31, after which the team started preparing it for the launch. In the morning of September 7, the system will be transferred from the Seaplane Lagoon to make tow with the Maersk Launcher at Anchorage 9. A second vessel will be fixed to the aft of System 001 to maintain a stable position.
2- On Saturday morning, the tow will be prepared. The Maersk Launcher will start her engines at approximately 10:30.
3- The system will be nearing the Bay Bridge around 12:00 pm, which is when our livestream will start.
4- Around 12:25 pm, the system will be nearing Treasure Island. To catch a close glimpse of it coming underneath the Bay Bridge and moving towards Alcatraz, there will be several potential viewing spots.
Suggested viewing spots
Pier 1 (San Francisco Port)
Pier 7
Pier 15 (Exploratorium)
Treasure Island
5- The tow will be about 1 kilometer (2/3 of a mile) in length, meaning the turnaround Alcatraz Island needs to be made with great care at the low speed we are moving.
Suggested viewing spots
Treasure Island
Alcatraz Island
6- The Maersk Launcher will be nearing the Golden Gate Bridge around 2 pm. The fire brigade will make a water salute to wish the system good luck.
Suggested viewing spots
Golden Gate Bridge
Crissy Field
Golden Gate Park
7- Around 2:15, the tow will be clear from the bridge and head southwest towards the Pacific Trials location, approximately 250 nautical miles offshore. By this time, we will also end our livestream program. After 2 weeks of operational testing, the Maersk Launcher and System 001 will continue their journey to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, another 1000 nautical miles away.
Suggested viewing spots
Golden Gate Park
Related Article: In Sept. A Giant Garbage Patch Will Deploy in Ocean
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