2024 Henderson Expedition
Led by Plastic Odyssey, The 2024 Henderson Island Expedition aimed to continue the work begun in 2019. Supported by the Plastic Odyssey’s laboratory vessel, the explorers spent a month making “The Impossible Cleanup”.
Making The Impossible Possible
Our Goals
1.
Build an international coalition to complete the work from 2019, namely completing the cleanup of the world’s most polluted beach and closing the loop on this plastic pollution.
2.
Demonstrate that waste can be successfully removed from Henderson Island and create pathways for cleanups in the most remote areas of the world.
3.
Spark global media coverage to raise human consciousness about the impact of single use plastics on the environment.
4.
Conduct a scientific study, building on studies from 2019 data collection.
Outcome Measures of Success
Success for the 2024 expedition includes:
14000+ pounds of 2019 plastic waste removed from the island, which currently sits in bags above the high-tide line removed.
Plastics recycled in a positive and useful way for Pitcairners, using existing approaches developed by Plastic Odyssey.
Global media and film team involved to tell the story of the expedition.
Beach cleanup run to remove new waste that has arrived since 2024.
Waste Removal Strategy
Testing several technologies for crossing the coral reef
One major challenge in waste removal on Henderson Island is crossing the coral reef, made difficult by adverse weather. The last expedition had to land on a distant beach and traverse through jungle and shoreline to reach the polluted East Beach, as using a boat to cross the reef and extract waste was not feasible.
Parasail Extraction
The first solution to be tested for crossing the coral reef involves an innovative parasailing approach, towed by our expedition vessel.
Fishing Buoy Garland
Fishing buoys were tied together to form a garland that was towed from the ship.
Floating Pontoon
A floating pontoon was winched directly from the Plastic Odyssey vessel.
Small boat / RIB Landings
In case of adequate weather and wave conditions, a RIB landing could be tested.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Solutions
Possible Impacts
Mitigation Strategies
Solutions
Parasail
Possible Impacts
Losing wastes at sea
Mitigation Strategies
Use of a sealable big bag equipped with a floating platform (in case of ditching)
Solutions
Fishing buoy garland
Possible Impacts
Damaging coral reef (very low risk)
Mitigation Strategies
Finding a reef pass, waiting for high tide and good sea conditions
Solutions
Floating Pontoon
Possible Impacts
Damaging coral reef (very low risk)
Mitigation Strategies
Finding a reef pass, waiting for high tide and good sea conditions
Solutions
RIB landings on East Beach (2019 idea)
Possible Impacts
Damaging coral reef
Mitigation Strategies
Finding a reef pass, waiting for high tide and good sea conditions
Turning a problem into an opportunity
Transforming waste into furniture for Pitcairners
The majority of plastic wastes collected was shredded and extruded to make plastic profiles and build furniture for Pitcairn community. This process was carried out directly onboard MV Plastic Odyssey thanks to its recycling workshop.
Helping Pitcairners transforming waste into source of income
The rest of the waste was transformed into raw material and given to Pitcairners together with a machine to process it and become a source of revenue. We spent approximately a week on Pitcairn Island following the cleanup at Henderson Island to teach the community about the process.
Timing
February – March 2024
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