It’s the first in a series of ‘harbour hoovers’ the humanitarian organisation plans to roll out, with the project’s inaugural piece of equipment arriving earlier this week.
The device sucks water through a basket catching litter in the process. It can filter 147 metres cubed per hour and can collect up to five litres of rubbish per day.
Rotary Guernesiais says the project will help protect the ecological health of the marine environment.
A competition offering children under the age of 12 the chance to name the first port bin was run, with eight-year-old Olivia taking home a £50 voucher for naming the hoover Hugo.
Testing is being carried out in the Victoria Marina and help from the community and corporate sponsors will see the project expanded.
The President of Rotary Guernesiais, Helen Salisbury, said the scheme will “make a tangible impact on our local environment”.
Kieran Higgs, Assistant Harbour Master, added: “Our harbours are not just gateways to the island, but also vital ecosystems. We are proud to collaborate with Rotary Guernesiais on this important project, which aligns with our commitment to maintaining clean and safe harbours for both residents and visitors”.
Watch: Rotary explaining how Hugo will work.
