Seabirds or fish that ingest or become entangled in plastic risk dying as a result. To solve this and other plastic-related issues in the oceans, a group of students from various engineering programs at Aalborg University has started a project to design, build, and install an autonomous catamaran to remove plastic waste from Esbjerg Harbour. The project incorporates modern technology and sustainable energy solutions.

• Students from the 'Applied Industrial Electronics' program, who have skills in electronics development and implementation, analyze and evaluate methods and technologies for collecting plastic. Using sensor technology and microcontroller programming, they ensure that the boat can navigate independently in the harbour, locate, collect, and offload plastic, and return to the harbour for recharging.
• Students from the 'Energy Engineering' program design a durable and sustainable energy source and charging station for the catamaran. By experimenting with renewable energy sources such as solar and wave energy, they ensure that the catamaran operates without environmental pollution. Electricity and water can be a dangerous combination, so the students has to consider thoroughly what the most suitable energy source is.
• Students from the 'Civil Engineering' program play a crucial role in ensuring the catamaran’s durability. They are responsible for constructing the hull, a tool for collecting plastic, a container for storing the plastic, and an offloading station. The students use environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and lightweight yet sturdy materials for the boat.

 This project represents an innovative solution to ocean plastic pollution and demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

Learning Output
The project is based on Aalborg University’s (AAU) leadENG concept, which promotes problem-based learning through interdisciplinary collaboration among students from different engineering disciplines.

The supervising team has played a vital role in guiding the students through the various phases of the project – from design and development to testing and validation. They facilitate the sharing of knowledge and coordinate interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with a deeper understanding of how to work together across disciplines in the real world.

When students from Applied Industrial Electronics, Energy Engineering, and Civil  Engineering collaborate, they learn to integrate different approaches and technologies into a unified solution, such as sensor technology and sustainable energy sources. Through the leadENG concept, the students experience how to take ownership of the project, which has been shown to increase their motivation and strengthen their engagement in solving real-world environmental challenges.

Moreover, the project has fostered entrepreneurship and innovation by focusing on real-life problems. At the same time, the teaching team has encouraged collaboration with external partners such as Esbjerg Harbour and Plast Center Denmark. This network of resources and stakeholders provides the students with unique insights into practical, technical, and sustainable solutions, which can be useful in their further education and careers.