BUBBLE BARRIERS
Bubble Barrier Porto region
In 2023, The Great Bubble Barrier will be implementing a new Bubble Barrier in the Porto region in Portugal. The system will prevent riverine plastic pollution from flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. This Bubble Barrier will be implemented as part of project MAELSTROM – a EU co-funded project dedicated to the mitigation of marine litter impact in coastal ecosystems.
The Location
Porto Region
Plastic pollution is threatening coastlines globally including Portugal.
According to a recent study, the Porto region hosts two of the most plastic polluted rivers in Portugal. That is why The Great Bubble Barrier is working on installing a new Bubble Barrier in this region, as part of project MAELSTROM.
The system will be able to tackle the issue close to the source, preventing riverine plastic pollution finding its way into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Great Bubble Barrier and project partner Ciimar have been working on assessing several locations for the placement of a Bubble Barrier. The exact location will be announced by the end of the year!
The installation of a Bubble Barrier in the Porto region – the first Bubble Barrier outside of The Netherlands – will set the standard for tackling riverine plastic pollution in the region and beyond.
The Project
About MAELSTROM
MAELSTROM – MArine Litter SusTainable remOval and Management- is a four-year project co-funded by the European Union. Its main goal is to find strategies to reduce the impact of marine litter in coastal ecosystems. In this project, The Great Bubble Barrier forms a consortium together with 13 other European parties.
The project aims to implement innovative and environmentally sustainable technologies such as a Bubble Barrier for the removal and treatment of litter within river ecosystems, intercepting litter before it enters the sea. Within the project, The Great Bubble Barrier is responsible for designing and implementing a Bubble Barrier in the Porto region as one of the collection methods for marine litter.
MAELSTROM will also provide solutions to sort and recycle the collected marine litter and give it new strategic uses in accordance to the Circular Economy Action Plan of the European Union.
Take Action
Become a partner
The plastic pollution problem has reached a point where we can no longer ignore our bad habits and expect others to deal with the consequences. We need cities, communities, and local stakeholders to not only talk about change, but to take action.
Project MAELSTROM will only finance 70% of the project. That’s why we need your help to make this Bubble Barrier a reality. We are looking for organisations that want to join forces across industries and make a difference by helping us fund the installation and annual operational costs of Bubble Barrier Porto region.
By partnering with us, you will not only prevent riverine plastic pollution and maintain a healthy ecosystem but become a true change maker for this region and beyond.
Become a pioneer in preventing riverine plastic pollution by investing in a project that has proven to create real impact for the environment and society.
The project phases
Bubble Barrier Porto region is planned to be fully operational by summer 2022. The project will be executed in the following phases:
Phase 1 - Preliminary Research
Before implementing a Bubble Barrier, we conduct research at the location with all stakeholders to ensure optimal placement, alignment with all stakeholders, high quality and secure performance.
In this phase we make a first design of the system, assess permit requirements and map the total costs of the project.
Phase 2 - Realisation
In this phase we will perform additional measurements on site if required and finalise the design based on our research and permit requirements.
After permit approval we will install the Bubble Barrier on site. The implementation will be celebrated with an official launch where all local and international stakeholders will meet.
Phase 3 - Operation & Maintenance
In this phase the Bubble Barrier will be fully operational and make an impact by catching plastics 24/7. We will put in place a communication plan with local NGO’s and stakeholders, and use the Bubble Barrier as a tool to increase awareness around plastic pollution.
Phase 4 - Research & Monitoring
Together with our MAELSTROM partners and local stakeholders, we will conduct research on the type and amount of plastic waste captured post-installation. With this insight, we can contribute to new policies concerning plastic pollution.
Phase 1 - Preliminary Research
Before implementing a Bubble Barrier, we conduct research at the location with all stakeholders to ensure optimal placement, alignment with all stakeholders, high quality and secure performance.
In this phase we make a first design of the system, assess permit requirements and map the total costs of the project.
Phase 2 - Realisation
In this phase we will perform additional measurements on site if required and finalise the design based on our research and permit requirements.
After permit approval we will install the Bubble Barrier on site. The implementation will be celebrated with an official launch where all local and international stakeholders will meet.
Phase 3 - Operation & Maintenance
In this phase the Bubble Barrier will be fully operational and make an impact by catching plastics 24/7. We will put in place a communication plan with local NGO’s and stakeholders, and use the Bubble Barrier as a tool to increase awareness around plastic pollution.
Phase 4 - Research & Monitoring
Together with our MAELSTROM partners and local stakeholders, we will conduct research on the type and amount of plastic waste captured post-installation. With this insight, we can contribute to new policies concerning plastic pollution.
Consortium partners
Bubble Barrier Porto region is part of project MAELSTROM, which is co-funded by the EU in collaboration with:
Press and media
Download the full press release here or get in contact with our press team.
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VIEW MORE PROJECTS
Never enough bubbles
Get inspired by other locations of Bubble Barriers!
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam
November 2019
In the fall of 2019, the first Bubble Barrier was implemented which will remain in place for a long period of time in the capital of the Netherlands: Amsterdam! This Bubble Barrier was installed by The Great Bubble Barrier at one of the outlets from the canals into the IJ. This Bubble Barrier prevents canal plastics from flowing into the North Sea. It is our first Bubble Barrier in our global fight against plastic pollution.
Bubble Barrier Wervershoof
June 2019
A Bubble Barrier was installed at a wastewater treatment plant in Wevershoof, North Holland, right after the wastewater treatment installation in the effluent canal.
This Bubble Barrier is part of a research on microplastics together with PWN (a drinking water company); Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK – a water management board); and KWR ( a water research institute).
Bubble Barrier Porto Region
Summer 2022
Bubble Barrier Porto region is set to be fully implemented in 2022 preventing plastic pollution from flowing into the Atlantic. This Bubble Barrier will be implemented as part of project MAELSTROM – a EU co-funded project dedicated to the mitigation of marine litter impact in coastal ecosystems.
Make a Bubble Barrier inquiry
Could your local river use a Bubble Barrier? Make an inquiry and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
Address
Moezelhavenweg 9
1043 AM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
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