In Marseille, an innovative dynamic is unfolding around the preservation of the maritime ecosystem, driven by visionary entrepreneurs. They are deploying cutting-edge solutions to combat marine pollution and protect the coastline. Focus on these revolutionary initiatives which mark a significant ecological turning point.
V2O Marine, a local company, designed the Marine Pollution Solution (MPS), a funnel-shaped sail intended to clean marine waters. Visible from the Corniche de Marseille, this innovative device, tested in the port of Marseille-Fos, concentrates waste to facilitate its collection. This innovation, capable of bringing together a wide range of pollutants, from hydrocarbons to micro-plastics, stands out for its speed and efficiency. The MPS, which can reach speeds of 15 km/h, offers a promising environmental solution. V2O Marine, attentive to the specific needs of its customers, plans to diversify the dimensions of its sails to adapt to different types of boats.
Another remarkable initiative is that of Ecofhair, which, in collaboration with the Coiffeurs Justes association, developed Capisorb sausages. These devices, made from recycled hair, are designed to capture hydrocarbons in water. The Old Port of Marseille was the first to benefit from this microdepollution technology, which has proven effective in limiting the spread of pollutants. The puddings, made in a workshop in Draguignan, are preparing to extend their presence along the Côte d’Azur, testifying to the effectiveness and ingenuity of this solution.
Furthermore, the Jellyfishbot, created by the start-up Iadys, is revolutionizing port cleaning thanks to its agility and its ability to collect various waste. This compact robot, controllable remotely or autonomously, has been adopted by many international ports. Its inventor, Nicolas Carlesi, was able to combine his passion for scuba diving with his expertise in robotics to contribute to the preservation of aquatic environments. The Jellyfishbot, with its bathymetry functionality, represents a major advance in the field of marine pollution control.
The DPOL, another gem of environmental technology, was developed by the Marseille company Ekkopol. This sea vacuum cleaner, designed by former members of the French Navy, aims to offer a practical and economical solution for cleaning port waters. Using an electric pump, the DPOL sucks up floating waste with remarkable efficiency. This invention, which requires little maintenance, has proven its effectiveness at the Old Port of Marseille, highlighting its potential for generalization to other sites.
Finally, the city of Marseille has equipped 5,000 drains with ultrasonic sensors to optimize waste collection and prevent spills. This initiative, led by Seramm in collaboration with GreenCityZen, illustrates a proactive approach to urban waste management. The success of this technology, which contributes to the protection of Marseille harbor, has earned the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis the label of European Capital of Innovation 2023.