Upcycling of BILGE Water into Biobased
Solutions for Ghost-fishing & Oil-sPilling
About
BilgeUP is an innovative project aimed at transforming a problematic maritime waste—bilge water—into valuable bioproducts, addressing both environmental and industrial challenges in the marine sector.
Bilge water, a wastewater mix of oil, grease, salts, metals, and other substances, accumulates in ships from activities like engine cleaning and air-conditioning condensation. Improper disposal harms the environment, leading to strict regulations by the IMO and EU Directive 2000/59/EC. Ships treat bilge water onboard or discharge it to port facilities. Treatment produces sludge, a polluting byproduct often incinerated or used in tar production.
Objectives & Innovation
BilgeUP seeks to valorize both bilge water and sludge by converting them into high-value, eco-friendly
materials through two integrated bioprocesses:
materials through two integrated bioprocesses:
Biosurfactant Production
- Bilge water will be used as a growth medium for selected marine bacteria and fungi known for producing biosurfactants (BS).
- These biosurfactants will be tested as natural dispersants in marine oil spill remediation, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical dispersants.
Biodegradable Fishing Gear Production
- The produced biosurfactants will be added to sludge to enhance its bioavailability.
- Specialized bacteria will then be cultivated to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)—biodegradable plastics.
- These PHAs will be used to develop biodegradable fishing gear, addressing the persistent issue of ghost fishing and marine litter.
Partners
