Ⓒ Oceanways

The 2020, Environmental Performance Index (EPI) quantifies the environmental health and vitality of 180 countries based on 24 performance points of 10 different environmental issues. With a population of over 66.5million, the UK is surprisingly ranked 4th in the world with an EPI of 81.3. One of the driving forces behind the UK’s high EPI rating is Innovate UK.

Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-departmental agency that encourages and funds UK businesses in research and development endeavors that will better the nation. One of Innovate UK’s primary goals is to foster the development of industry that will help the environmental crisis the world is facing, thus increasing an EPI rating. In September of 2021, Innovate UK announced the funding of 55 projects that would see the UK leading the world in green industry as part of a Clean Maritime Demonstration Contest. One of the startups taking a piece of the £23 million grant was Dhruv Boruah’s Oceanways.

Dhruv’s Oceanways developed an underwater drone that will help clean the oceans while transporting cargo. The drone developed by Oceanways is named Esmeralda, a fully autonomous submarine that produces zero emissions. As explained on the website, the drones “run on hydrogen, collects microplastics and ocean health data while transporting cargo to decarbonize the transport sector.” By creating a decarbonized cargo shipping method, Oceanways will help lessen the UK carbon footprint.

Esmeralda is a modular drone that can be configured to carry a wide range of cargo. The drone has an operating range of 1,000 kilometers, can reach depths of 100 meters, and has a cruising speed of 20 knots. Sensors on the drone allow it to travel around obstacles like buoys, docks, sandbars, ships, and wildlife. It also has sensors that collect data such as temperatures, pH levels, and more. These sensors can also be custom configured to meet the needs of scientific partners. As the drone travels through the water, filters collect and trap microplastics and microfibers. These pollutants will then be placed in reusable containers and properly processed at Oceanways’ headquarters in London.

Esmeralda is currently preparing for her maiden voyage, a dive 400 kilometer dive from London to Amsterdam. Oceanways says that the drone will not be used to replace the shipping container industry, but rather ferry goods aboard the ships. “We are not competing with the container shipping industry,” states the Oceanways website, “but we shall be servicing short point-to-point routes with fast, zero-emission delivery.” This process will initiate Innovate UK’s goal of becoming a zero carbon emission economy by 2050. When announcing the winners of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Contest, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, “The projects announced today showcase the best of British innovation, revolutionizing existing technology and infrastructure to slash emissions, create jobs, and get us another step closer to our decarbonization targets.” Dhruv is ready to prove to Innovate UK that the country could reach the highest EPI rating. “Time is running out and it is imperative we don’t settle for 1% more efficiency in an existing system,” he said, “but instead, radically rethink to create innovative solutions.”