A Year of Ocean Science Without Emission: We are proud to celebrate another year of milestones in sustainable ocean observation, made possible by the dedication of the global Sailbuoy community—users, partners, and supporters who continue to lead the way in low-impact ocean science.
During 2024 alone, Sailbuoys covered over 25,000 kilometres (13,500 nautical miles) across offshore monitoring climate research missions. Beyond the valuable data collected, these journeys mark a significant step forward in environmentally responsible marine operations.
Imagine the environmental impact throughout the Sailbuoy’s 10 years of operation! Let’s dive into the year 2024:
Zero-Emission Ocean Missions
By choosing Sailbuoy over traditional science vessels, our community helped avoid an estimated 4,050 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
To put that into perspective, that is equivalent to:
- Removing 900 cars from the road for a year
- Carbon captured by 67,000 tree seedlings grown over 10 years
| Metric | Conventional Vessel | Sailbuoy |
| Emissions per day | 8–15 tonnes CO₂ | 0 |
| Emissions per nautical mile | Up to 0.3 tonnes CO₂ | 0 |
| 2024 Distance Covered | 13,500 nmi | 13,500 nmi |
| Total CO₂ Emissions (2024) | Up to 4,050 tonnes | 0 |
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These are not just numbers—they represent a fundamental shift toward cleaner, smarter, and safer ways of working at sea. With no fuel use, zero emissions, and minimal risk to human life, Sailbuoy shows what is possible when innovation meets environmental responsibility.
Innovative Technology for Sustainable Exploration
Sailbuoy’s design emphasises energy efficiency and resilience. Its wind-driven propulsion, complemented by solar-powered electronics and actuators, enables autonomous navigation for up to six months without recharging. This low-power approach is particularly advantageous for high-latitude missions with limited sunlight. Additionally, Sailbuoy’s robust construction ensures reliable operation in harsh marine environments, making it a versatile tool for various oceanographic applications.
A Shared Commitment
Thank you to everyone who deployed, piloted, or supported a Sailbuoy in 2024. Your dedication is helping reshape the future of ocean observation, one sustainable mission at a time.
