Eyesea launched officially on 7 December 2020 with the support of shipping leaders across the industry. Splash247, The Maritime Executive, and Safety4Sea all covered the announcement.
The first global database of oceanic pollution
The plan was simple to state and ambitious to deliver: use the reach of seafarers, shipowners, managers, and maritime professionals to collect and process oceanic pollution data, then turn it into detailed maps and charts available free of charge to governments, cleanup groups, researchers, and local authorities.
“Everyone from shipping involved in this project wants to tackle marine pollution in a more systematic and qualitative way than is currently possible,” said founder Graeme Somerville-Ryan at launch. “The solution we settled on was to create the first ever global database of oceanic pollution.”
At launch, approximately 60 commercial ships and a number of superyachts were preparing for sea trials of the beta app. ChartWorld funded the technology development and donated the app, while Dentons Kensington Swan provided pro bono legal setup.
An industry taking the lead
Ignace Van Meenen, executive board member at MPC Capital and Eyesea’s inaugural chairman, put it this way: “Eyesea is a unique opportunity for the shipping industry to be the leader in environmental management and to work with members of the public for the good of the ocean. We’ve not seen anything quite like this before.”
Sources
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Splash247, 7 December 2020. Launch report with founder and chairman quotes.
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The Maritime Executive, 8 December 2020. Reports industry backing, ChartWorld’s role, and the beta fleet.
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Safety4Sea, 8 December 2020. Coverage of the launch and the initiative’s goals.
