Brin Develops Garbage Carrier Electric Ship in Mangrove

Development of multifunctional waste collection ships for mangrove conservation

The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing a multifunctional waste collection ship based on electrical propulsion. This technology is specifically designed to support the management of the Surabaya Mangrove Botanical Gardens (KRM). The main purpose of developing this technology is as an integrated operational solution for cleaning waste while supporting research and conservation activities in mangrove areas.

Abdi Ismail, Associate Expert Researcher at the Hydrodynamics Research Center of BRIN, explained that the ship’s development was a follow-up to the needs of BRIn’s partners, namely the Surabaya Regional Research and Innovation Agency (Brida) in the management of KRM Surabaya. According to him, the main problem faced by KRM Surabaya managers is the need for integrated operational facilities to clean up waste in mangrove areas which have shallow water characteristics, muddy, and narrow canals with sensitive vegetation.

As a solution, BRIN offers a multifunctional waste collection ship that can be used for transporting waste piles while supporting research activities in mangrove areas. The ship is equipped with a loader at the front to expand the range of garbage collection. The waste that is taken is then transported using a conveyor to the storage room.

In order to support the vision of KRM Surabaya which prioritizes green technology, this ship uses an electric propulsion system. Thus, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions and minimize noise in mangrove conservation areas.

“Electric propulsion allows the ship’s operation to be quieter, lower carbon emissions, and more efficient operational costs,” Abdi said in a written statement.

This technology is targeted to reach the level of technological readiness (TRL) 7. In addition to increasing the effectiveness of routine waste cleaning, ships are also designed to be able to reach areas that are difficult to access, such as shallow and muddy waters. The 2026 BRN team submitted a proposal for a strategic innovation research proposal.

Ship design that is resistant to the mangrove environment

By design, the ship has a length of 8.3 meters, a width of 2.3 meters, and an operational draft of 0.4 meters so that it is suitable for use in shallow water. The shape of the hull is designed to resemble a leatherback turtle with a tapered bottom so that it is not easily trapped in the mud.

The main drive system uses an electric motor with a power of 10.5 kW with a waste transport capacity of 2.3 cubic meters. In addition to aircraft carriers, this system is also equipped with an electric canoe as an auxiliary vessel to support the mobility of researchers in conservation areas.

The carrier uses aluminum to make it more impact resistant. While the canoe-shaped auxiliary ship uses fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP). The canoe can be used to reach research sites that require quiet conditions and minimal sound disturbance, such as observing animals in mangrove habitats.

“Electric canoes allow researchers to approach the object of research more quietly so that it does not interfere with the surrounding environment,” he said.

energy sources and supporting facilities

The entire ship system, including the propulsion and conveyors of the garbage collector, uses a battery-based source of electrical energy. The ship is also equipped with solar panels as a charging support, although the capacity is still limited.

To support communication in areas with minimal telecommunications signals, ships are equipped with VHF radio. This facility allows researchers who use the canoe to still be able to communicate with the aircraft carrier while in the research area.

Abdi assessed that the concept of a waste collection ship has the potential to be applied to waste management in urban rivers with similar characteristics. Therefore, the research team of BRIn submitted a strategic innovation research proposal to develop technology for ships that are adaptive to various water conditions in Indonesia.