Sustainable Maritime Technology in Norway– How Water Drones Are Fighting Water Pollution

Through initiatives like the Green Platform and Maritime CleanTech, the country has strategically invested in sustainable technologies, particularly focusing on zero-emission solutions and autonomous systems. As marine pollution becomes an increasingly urgent global challenge, with the UN identifying it as one of the fastest-growing environmental threats, innovative solutions are crucial. The growing adoption of drone technology for environmental monitoring and cleanup operations represents one of the most promising developments in this space, opening new possibilities for addressing ocean pollution efficiently and cost-effectively.

This shift towards autonomous solutions in marine cleanup not only demonstrates Norway's commitment to environmental protection but also highlights the country's ability to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for technological innovation.

To understand how emerging companies are shaping this transformation, we spoke with the Co-Founder of Clean Sea Solutions, Gulleik Olsen. Clean Sea Solutions is an emerging player that exemplifies the country's growing focus on environmental technology solutions. Their approach to marine pollution through autonomous systems presents a compelling case study of how Norwegian companies are combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility.

Can you tell us about your company, its focus area, and the technology sector it operates in? How did this idea come about?

Company Overview & Mission

“Our company called Clean Sea Solutions, founded in 2017 and winner of the Innovation Award at Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marinas Conference 2024, is an environmental technology company developing autonomous solutions to combat marine pollution at its source. We focus on urban waterways - harbours, canals, and rivers - where most marine pollution originates before flowing into the seas.” - Gulleik Olsen, Co-founder, COO of Clean Sea Solutions

Technology & Solutions

“Our Clean Sea Ecosystem consists of three integrated products: the Aquapod (a 24/7 static collector attached to jetties), the Aquadrone (an autonomous vessel that collects and deposits trash into the Aquapod), and a smart monitoring system with webcams that tracks collection data through our CleanSea Impact Portal. This ecosystem provides users with complete control over their waterfront environment.”

Business Approach

“Unlike traditional non-profit approaches to marine pollution, we've created a commercially viable solution that helps businesses achieve both environmental and economic benefits. Our system delivers cleanliness, predictability, and measurable impact while automating waste management through robotics, making it an attractive investment for companies seeking sustainable solutions.”

The Technology Behind the Innovation

In terms of technological advancements, Norway is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge solutions into maritime operations. The Green AI for Sustainable Shipping (GASS) project, led by NAVTOR and backed by NOK 44 million in funding, exemplifies the push toward AI and digital twin technologies for reducing emissions. The country's innovation extends to pioneering vessels, including the world's first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry, while its maritime sector leads globally in implementing hybrid systems and testing autonomous vessels in designated areas.

To understand how this technological advancement translates into practical applications, we asked Clean Sea Solutions about their specific technological implementation:

What types of technology are you using in your autonomous marine waste management system, particularly in terms of navigation, sensing capabilities, and operational effectiveness?

Technological Architecture

“Our system combines three key components working in synergy. The Aquapod, our static collector, uses a patented design for reliable trash collection at fixed points. Our more sophisticated, high tech Aquadrome, developed in partnership with a specialized drone manufacturer, operates autonomously using a multi-sensor system including GPS, cameras, and computer vision technology. Instead of collecting trash directly, our drone pushes floating debris toward collection points, usually operating at 1-2 knots for optimal performance in urban waterways, with an operational endurance of 16-20 hours.”

Detection and Navigation System

“Our drone employs a proprietary computer vision model, shared with our Clean Sea Impact platform, for trash detection. The process follows a three-step sequence: initial scanning to identify potential objects, closer approach for camera-based verification of floating debris, and guided navigation to push confirmed trash toward collection points. This autonomous system is managed through our custom-built web application, where subscribers can monitor operations and access collection statistics.This integration of static collection points, autonomous detection, and monitoring capabilities creates our efficient ecosystem for continuous waterfront waste management.”

Norway’s Clean Tech Trend

In recent years, Norwegian companies have increasingly aligned their innovations with broader sustainability targets. With the EU targeting climate neutrality by 2050 and Norway aiming to halve maritime emissions by 2030, the pressure to develop effective environmental solutions has intensified. The success of Norwegian maritime startups in securing significant funding and international recognition demonstrates the growing market potential for innovative cleantech solutions, particularly in addressing critical challenges like marine pollution.

How did the idea for this product originate, and how does it align with the current clean tech trend in Norway?

Company Origins & Vision

“Our story starts with a unique mix of founders: we've got a professional sailor who saw the devastating impact of ocean pollution during her travels around the globe, and a waste management expert who caught onto the urgency after reading UN reports about marine pollution being the fastest-growing environmental threat out there. Together with our other co-founders, we realized that making a real difference meant taking a business-minded approach - because let's face it, you need a sustainable business model to create lasting change.”

Strategic Market Focus

“While everyone's focusing on pollution in large rivers, we decided to take a different route. We zeroed in on harbours and urban waterways instead. Why? First, we didn't want to jump into an already crowded space. But more importantly, we noticed something crucial: harbors and marinas have clear ownership. When trash builds up in these areas, someone's responsible for dealing with it - whether it's the harbor owner, marina operator, or local municipality. That gives us real customers who have both the motivation and means to solve the problem.This approach fits right in with Norway's push for practical cleantech solutions that not only help the environment but also make good business sense, all while showing clear results right where people can see them.”

Challenges and Market Adoption

The path to commercializing sustainable maritime technology is not without its obstacles. Despite strong government support and clear market opportunities, cleantech companies often face complex challenges in bringing their solutions to market. Early-stage companies must navigate strict maritime regulations while demonstrating the commercial viability of their products. This is particularly challenging in the maritime industry, where new technologies must prove both their reliability and cost-effectiveness before gaining widespread adoption. Additionally, while funding for sustainable initiatives has increased significantly, companies must still compete for limited resources and establish clear business cases that balance environmental impact with commercial returns.

What challenges did you face in bringing your product to market, and how did you overcome them?

Market Development Challenges

“Our biggest hurdle has been navigating a young, emerging market where potential customers aren't always aware of available solutions. A key challenge lies in what we call "problem ownership" - while people recognize water pollution, there's often confusion about who's responsible for addressing it. This creates a hesitation in the purchasing process.”

Expanding Capabilities and Unexpected Applications

The development of maritime technology often yields discoveries beyond initial design intentions. As companies test and refine their solutions in real-world conditions, they frequently uncover additional applications and capabilities that can create unexpected value. This adaptability is particularly valuable in the maritime sector, where versatile solutions can address multiple challenges simultaneously.

Have you discovered any other applications or unexpected uses for your drone technology during testing?

Extended Applications

“Beyond our core focus on trash collection, we've recently adapted our system for oil spill collection. The base drone platform we use, which we customize with our proprietary arms and software, is actually a versatile system used by military and research institutions worldwide.”

Key Operational Advantage

“One of our system's standout features is its exceptional portability. At just 60 kilograms, the drone can be easily transported and deployed by two people without specialized equipment - you can simply load it into a van and launch it wherever needed. This mobility gives us a significant advantage in rapid response and flexible deployment scenarios. While we maintain our focus on being specialists in trash collection, rather than drone manufacturing, these additional capabilities and practical advantages enhance our system's overall utility.”

Trends in Clean Tech Innovation in Norway

The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with sustainability and digitalization driving innovation. While green shipping and automation lead this evolution, emerging technologies like alternative fuels and autonomous systems are reshaping traditional maritime operations. According to DNV's Maritime Forecast, these trends are accelerating, with increasing investments in electric vessels, hydrogen power, and AI-driven solutions.

What are the biggest trends in clean tech innovation in Norway right now, and what technologies are gaining the most popularity?

“The sustainability sector is currently driven by two main trends: the push toward supply chain emission monitoring and the widespread electrification of existing operations, from replacing helicopter operations with drones to developing electric ferries and boats. However, we've noticed a significant limitation in how environmental impact is measured and valued. Despite our Clean Sea Impact portal's ability to track various environmental metrics, there's an overwhelming focus on CO2 emissions savings, while other important environmental impacts, such as plastic removal from waterways, receive less attention in reporting standards and regulatory requirements. This narrow focus on carbon metrics potentially undervalues other crucial environmental interventions that don't primarily target emissions reduction.”

Conclusion

As Norway maintains its position at the forefront of maritime innovation, companies like Clean Sea Solutions demonstrate how emerging technologies can address critical environmental challenges while creating viable business opportunities. Their experience highlights both the tremendous potential and inherent challenges in bringing sustainable maritime solutions to market. With continued support from Norway's robust maritime ecosystem and growing global demand for green technologies, the future of maritime innovation looks promising, particularly as companies continue to push the boundaries of autonomous and sustainable solutions.