Pneumatic waste compactors at sea

During the North Atlantic bonito season, fishing vessels in eastern Cantabria generate significant amounts of waste, which can be difficult to manage during prolonged trips at sea. The accumulation of food cans, bottles, cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, etc. creates hygiene and safety challenges. It also increases the risk of accidental discharges, threatening marine ecosystems and the sustainability of fisheries.

To address this, the Eastern Cantabria Coastal Action Group launched the Compact Blue project, piloting the use of pneumatic waste compactors on purse-seine vessels. Following a successful pilot on the San Roque Divino in 2024, the technology was adapted to maritime conditions and, in 2025, installed on nine other fishing vessels. Using compressed air, the compactors require no electricity and produce no CO₂ emissions. The project has improved on-board hygiene and safety while demonstrating the potential to extend the solution to other fleets.