4.4.2.1 Transport
One of the most important processes is the transportation
of the collected debris to shore. Due to the location
of the Ocean Cleanup Array (a distance of approximately
1852 km to the US coast), it is essential that the transportation
is done efficiently. The following transport options
were considered:
Bulk carr ier
Bulk carriers are the backbone of dry bulk transportation.
The transported material is stored in multiple cargo
holds, each one reachable through its own hatch on the
deck. The hatch covers are clearly visible in Figure 4.19.
Advantages
• The large hatches on the deck of a bulk carrier enable
fast transshipment, since there can be a high volume
flow of material.
• Bulk carriers are designed to withstand naval
environments, so they are suited for the conditions at
the preliminary location in the North Pacific Ocean, as
described in Chapter 2.
Disad vantages
• The transshipment through the hatches on deck
would be dependent on the weather conditions, since
high waves could cause the transshipment equipment
to crash into the transport vessel.