THE EXPEDITION AROUND THE WORLD TO FIGHT PLASTIC POLLUTION
Aboard the first vessel powered by plastic waste FIND OUT ABOUT ITS MISSIONThis vessel doesn’t clean up the ocean.
19 tons of plastic are dumped in the Ocean every minute
Once at sea, it’s too late. Plastic sinks and breaks down into micro-particles too small to be collected. Let’s make sure this waste never ends up in the ocean.
Our two priorities
Reduce
Rethink the use of plastic for a sustainable future.
Recover
Give plastic waste a second life while fighting poverty
Why these actions?
To fight against ocean pollution in a sustainable manner, we must not only improve our waste management but also and above all reduce our dependence on plastics. These two actions must be carried out at the same time. Here is a simulation of different scenarios that led us to this conclusion:
A round-the-world expedition
More than 30 stopovers across the 3 continents most affected by plastic pollution
The objectives
Study
local cultures, needs and use of plastics
Initiate
the building of small local recycling units and waste reduction initiatives
An iconic vessel
The first floating laboratory dedicated to plastic waste recycling and reduction. Departure in 2020 for a 3-year expedition along the coasts of Africa, South America, and Asia-Pacific.
Discover the project with this Ted talk
Simon BERNARD, Expedition leader – Merchant navy officer and ENSM engineer
Simon spent 2 years sailing on merchant’s vessel. He has been awarded for his commitment to protect the Ocean. Today he gives many conferences (TEDx, Positiv Economy Forum…)
Explorers
Simon Bernard
Expedition Leader
Alexandre Dechelotte
Head of Communications
Benjamin de Molliens
Head of Partnerships
Bob Vrignaud
Head of R&D
Latest articles
Plastic Odyssey, finally owner of its expedition vessel.
After several months of research, we are proud to unveil the vessel that we have chosen for the expedition. The 40m long Victor Hensen, previously an oceanographic research vessel, will be transformed over several months in order to become the worldwide ambassador for plastic pollution reduction around the world.
A Trip to Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso: 20 million inhabitants, six bordering countries, and zero connection whatsoever to the Ocean. Yet, it is there that our team at Plastic Odyssey decided to conduct our second field study to prepare for the big Expedition next year.
Looking for the research vessel
The initial idea of a catamaran has evolved to that of an exploratory monohull ship. The specifications have become clearer: the vessel needs to be bigger. We are now looking to recycle a second-hand ship and give it a new lease of life.
