Upgraded Surface Oil Spill Clean-Up System Introduced

Wave International has introduced the Wavecleaner VAC, an advanced portable solution engineered to rapidly tackle small-scale water pollution caused by accidental spills of oil, diesel, and other hydrocarbons.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of marine facilities, port authorities, and environmental agencies, the upgraded system offers faster deployment, improved filtration, and greater operational efficiency for protecting sensitive aquatic environments.

Developed with direct input from users including marina operators, river authorities, and emergency response teams, the Wavecleaner VAC builds on the capabilities of the original Wavecleaner skimmer unit. It delivers a more robust and user-friendly toolset for immediate cleanup of hydrocarbon pollution in both marine and inland water settings.

The Wavecleaner VAC is purpose-built for rapid response in locations such as marinas, ports, dockyards, fuel jetties, barges, and boatyards. It effectively handles a wide range of marine-related spills—from bilge and boat discharges to leaks occurring during fuel transfer operations. Additionally, the system is capable of removing pollution caused by stormwater runoff, where rainwater has mixed with oil, fuel, or chemicals on hardstanding and car parking areas before entering waterways.

Polluted water is drawn through a sediment strainer and dual Wavestream System 2 filters, which are Lloyd’s Register Type Approved. These filters capture hydrocarbons, suspended solids, and even microplastics, ensuring that only water meeting the stringent 5 parts per million (ppm) standard is discharged back into the environment or into surface drainage systems.

By achieving this level of filtration, the Wavecleaner VAC eliminates the need for transporting contaminated water offsite for treatment or disposal—reducing costs and environmental impact.

A key upgrade in the new Wavecleaner VAC is its high-capacity pump, which delivers a flow rate of 22 liters per minute, a vertical lift of up to 3 meters, and a discharge head of 40 meters. This results in faster recovery of surface pollutants and improved efficiency across diverse operating conditions. The redesigned skimmer head also now features an integrated strainer to block larger floating debris, reducing the risk of clogs and maintenance interruptions.

The system is fully portable, housed in a durable cage, and powered by a 12V DC high-capacity rechargeable battery. Its compact form—similar to a small generator—makes it easy to transport using a standard marina trolley or similar equipment, allowing single-operator deployment even in tight or remote access locations.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Wavecleaner VAC is constructed from marine-grade materials and includes quick-release hose couplings for easy maintenance and cleaning. Its durable build ensures long-term reliability in demanding coastal, riverine, and harbor settings.

Filters are long-lasting and designed for simple replacement once saturated, supporting extended operational readiness without frequent part changes or costly consumables.

Paul Gullett of Wave International, said, “The Wavecleaner was originally developed as a result of demand from marina operators and dockyards who have seen and used our proven Wavestream bilge filters systems in vessels, being the foundation of Wavecleaner. They asked why we couldn’t create a portable product to deal with accidental spills in the waterways or even on land. After some development work, and trials to prove its success, we launched Wavecleaner, which is now superseded by the improved Wavecleaner VAC system.”

By providing a self-contained, mobile, and highly effective solution for recovering and filtering contaminated water, the Wavecleaner VAC represents a vital tool for protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Its improved design empowers marine professionals to respond quickly to spills, reducing environmental damage and supporting sustainable marine operations.