Belfast Harbour is the first marina in the UK to install a high-tech Aquapod as part of a major push to clean the water and protect local wildlife.
Developed by the Northern Ireland-based company NETZERO Alchemists, the pod works below the waterline, collecting floating debris and microplastics before it can spread through the marina environment.
The initiative addresses a growing environmental challenge: while marinas and harbours are not always the original source of pollution entering our waterways, they often experience the direct impact of wider catchment and coastal pressures as litter is washed in from the surrounding area.
For harbour teams, the technology provides a significant boost by reducing the need for staff to carry out difficult manual clean-up operations.
The technology is supported by Clean Impact View software which records the quantity and type of waste removed.
This data is used by the harbour to inform decisions on how to protect the future of the local environment.
Alan Branagh, from NETZERO Alchemists, said: "It demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship by combining practical action with innovation, helping to protect the marina today while building the evidence needed to support more informed environmental management in the future."
Simon Gibson, Marine, Environment & Biodiversity Officer at Belfast Harbour, said: "We hope Belfast Harbour can act as a benchmark for how practical innovation can support improving water quality and creating better environments."
The installation complements existing environmental initiatives at Belfast Harbour, including an oyster restoration programme delivered with Ulster Wildlife and actions supporting the Blue Flag Environmental Code of Conduct for marina users.
The initiative highlights how new technology can support cleaner waterways and protect biodiversity across busy, working waterfronts.
