Suzuki’s Innovative Micro-Plastic Collecting Device Tackles Plastic Pollution

Marine industry leader Suzuki has unveiled what is believed to be the world’s first Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for installation on outboard motors.

Outboard motors, which pump seawater to cool the engine, are the perfect design to house this filtration system, as the device collects microplastics in a refined filter to prevent the pollutants from being returned into the ocean.

This innovative device has no effect on the performance of the outboard motor, as it only utilises water which has already been used to cool down the engine. Easily installed and found to be very effective during testing, Suzuki plan to make this device a permanent feature of their outboard motors in the future.

Microplastics comprise pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm, and are usually the remainders of fibres from textiles, clothing and larger pieces of plastic which have fragmented over time. Analysis conducted by the University of Manchester this year has found the highest levels of microplastics ever recorded on the sea floor, with up to 1.9 million plastic pieces per square metre discovered within sediment deposits in the Mediterranean, near Italy.

Andy Murray, managing director of Ocean Sports Tuition, commented:

“Spending so much time on the water as part of my job has shown me how much ocean plastic pollution is a problem that everyone should be actively fighting.

This innovation by Suzuki is an excellent way to reduce the presence of microplastics in our seawater, and is truly a ground-breaking development in technology.”

The Suzuki Micro-Plastic Collecting Device is expected to be available as an optional addition to your outboard from 2021, and incorporated as a standard feature in the future.

About Ocean Sports Tuition

Ocean Sports Tuition is a Southampton-based company offering RYA-recognised practical and theory courses and boat charters. We have successfully delivered training on the South Coast and the Solent since 2004, and pride ourselves on providing excellent tuition and service to beginner, intermediate, and advanced sailors alike. Find out more about Ocean Sports and our friendly team here.