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Catamaran Sargassum Cleaning System (CSC Integrated System)

The Catamaran Sargassum Cleaning System, or CSC Integrated System, is a conceptual engineering solution designed by Edgar Tovar and presented at the SNAME Maritime Convention 2021. This innovative project addresses the severe environmental, economic, and social impacts caused by the increasing invasion of sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean, particularly affecting the tourism-dependent regions of Cancun and Isla Mujeres on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

Since 2011, massive sargassum blooms have significantly disrupted coastal economies, tourism activities, and marine ecosystems, creating an urgent need for effective management solutions. Current sargassum collection methods face critical limitations regarding operational capacity, seaworthiness, and effective disposal practices.

The CSC Integrated System is specifically designed to overcome these challenges, incorporating a marine aluminum catamaran, specialized hopper barges, robust sargassum storage baskets, and a versatile Landing Craft Unit (LCU). The core idea behind the CSC Integrated System is the effective integration of these components to ensure continuous, scalable, and adaptable offshore sargassum removal operations.

The catamaran's design features twin aluminum hulls, which provide optimal stability and durability even in harsh maritime conditions. Equipped with watertight compartments and strategic fendering systems, the vessel maintains operational safety and integrity during prolonged offshore activities. Its central feature, an inclined pivoting hydraulic conveyor ramp, ensures the efficient collection and transfer of sargassum from the ocean surface directly into hopper barges positioned beneath the catamaran.

The hopper barges are uniquely engineered, employing a double-hull structure and subdivided holds that significantly mitigate flooded seawater free surface effects in the event of unexpected flooding by wave action. This subdivision enhances the barges' stability and operational safety. Additional design elements, such as foldable rudders, symmetrical shape, low hatch coamings, and semi-watertight buoyant hatch covers, facilitate maneuverability and minimize seawater ingress.

An innovative insertion and removal mechanism utilizing integrated winches and pulley systems securely positions these hopper barges beneath the catamaran for safe and efficient loading. The collected sargassum is systematically distributed into storage baskets within the barge compartments via adjustable conveyor gates, optimizing storage capacity and operational continuity.

Critical to the system’s efficiency is the Landing Craft Unit (LCU), designed to support the CSC operation through continuous logistical assistance. Equipped with a telescopic crane, the LCU transports and manages loaded hopper barges, sargassum baskets, and essential operational components. Its capability to replenish fuel supplies for the catamaran further enhances the system's operational autonomy.

Drone-based aerial monitoring complements the CSC Integrated System, providing real-time data that, when coupled with advanced machine learning algorithms, enables proactive and precise identification of sargassum accumulation sites. This capability significantly enhances operational planning and resource allocation efficiency.

Furthermore, the CSC Integrated System’s modular and scalable nature allows adaptation to various coastal environments beyond the original design parameters set by Cancun and Isla Mujeres' environmental conditions. It is explicitly adaptable for handling similar environmental challenges or repurposed for other maritime cleanup operations, such as crude oil spill management.

The project underscores environmental stewardship, operational flexibility, and technological innovation, presenting a robust and economically viable solution to the sargassum invasion challenge. The CSC Integrated System exemplifies the future of marine environmental management and protection, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability in maritime operations.