The OCEAN4FUEL project, which focuses on protecting the oceans and marine ecosystems, stood out as one of the winners of the TransforMAR 2024 Award, promoted by Lidl Portugal. This award recognizes innovative initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Developed by Catarina Costa Marques, PhD fellow from CESAM and the Department of Environment and Planning at the University of Aveiro, under the guidance of Professor Maria Isabel da Silva Nunes and Professor Luís António da Cruz Tarelho, the project presents an innovative and sustainable solution to pollution navy. OCEAN4FUEL transforms marine plastics into recycled liquid fuel through the pyrolysis process, simultaneously addressing two major global challenges: ocean pollution and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
CESAM actively supported this application, as the project’s prominence was further enhanced by a presentation video (pitch) produced by CESAM’s Communication, Promotion, and Outreach Service, illustrating the objectives, methodology, and environmental impact of this research. This is an example of how the strategic use of CESAM’s internal resources, including the valuable contribution of the Support Technicians (TAG), often invisible but crucial in their diverse roles — administrative, accounting, and others — plays a decisive role in the success of proposals and their implementation.
This distinction highlights the crucial role of scientific research in creating solutions to the environmental challenges the planet currently faces.
To find out more about the project and the TransforMAR Award, visit Lidl’s official website and watch the presentation video to learn about this transformative initiative.
See the video here