VESSEL REVIEW | Arika – Debris clearing workboat delivered to Indonesian operator

Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), via its Indonesia-based subsidiary MOL Blue Ocean Indonesia, has begun operating a new workboat designed for debris collection in coastal waters.

Built by Turkish company EPS Marine, Arika is presently deployed in the waters off the popular resort island of Bali, where MOL said the issue of marine debris is becoming more serious in addition to the increase in litter caused by urbanisation and population growth.

The vessel is fitted with a conveyor belt that collects debris from the water. The conveyor belt and other debris collection equipment was also supplied by EPS Marine. The wheelhouse has a Mistubishi Heavy Industries air conditioner to keep the interior comfortable as the vessel operates for sustained periods in Indonesia’s tropical climate.

Starting with the demonstration of the marine debris collecting boat in Bali, MOL will further commercialise the technology and will conduct a feasibility study of the business model for actual introduction of a similar debris collection vessel in Vietnam. MOL intends to establish locally-tailored marine debris collection systems using vessels through a broader project backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Click here for more news, features, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on marine pollution control.