Simrad Yachting partners with Plastic Odyssey
Simrad Yachting has partnered with Plastic Odyssey, a scientific and environmental expedition.
Over the next three years, Plastic Odyssey will be visiting three continents with 30 stopovers. The project aims to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean through better education and awareness, creating a global network of local recycling initiatives.
Plastic Odyssey says it’s committed to fostering local initiatives, developing both technical and human solutions, including low-tech machines without patents, to enable communities to transform plastic waste. The Plastic Odyssey project team will embark on their mission aboard a laboratory vessel, a 40-metre scientific exploration boat fitted with Simrad navigation equipment. A former oceanography vessel, the ship has been transformed into a water-based lab housing a small experimental mobile recycling centre, a pyrolysis unit that will convert plastic into fuel, as well as a mobile space to carry out experiments on land at each stopover.
“To achieve our goals, we need to be able to navigate our way safely through the 30 legs of the journey,” says Simon Bernard, CEO and co-founder of Plastic Odyssey. “Our route will see us navigate +30,000 NM, crossing some of the most treacherous and unpredictable oceans across the globe. Selecting the right electronics partner to refit our vessel was mission-critical, and Simrad products, with their reputation as the brand of choice amongst marine professionals, was an obvious choice.”
“We are delighted to be part of this exciting venture! The Plastic Odyssey project is pioneering new approaches and thinking, which is a perfect fit with our philosophy,” comments James Methven, global head of brand for Simrad Yachting. “Simon and his team are an extraordinary group of individuals, and we are excited to be supporting their efforts from the bridge.”
The ship’s bridge has been completely renovated and features a PLECDIS E5024 system, an IMO type-approved navigation system, an R5000 radar and a host of other state-of-the-art instruments including autopilot, AIS, depth sounder, and satellite compass.
