BioBright is addressing one of the maritime industry’s most pressing challenges: rising emissions and toxic water in ports worldwide. Founded in 2021, BioBright combines smart sensors with living microalgae to simultaneously purify water, reduce emissions, and provide verifiable data. The system tracks pollutants such as copper, zinc, and ammonia in real time, whilst its algae absorb twice their weight in CO₂ every hour. Once mature, the algae are harvested for conversion into biofuels and fertilisers, creating a circular system where pollution-fighting leads to commercially valuable products.

By 2030, major European ports face enormous liabilities under the EU Emissions Trading System. The Port of Rotterdam, for example, could incur over £1.2 billion in carbon costs. BioBright has already engaged with stakeholders across Europe, Asia, and North America, with plans of expanding to the Caribbean and securing 200 port clients and £20 million in annual revenue. “Let’s create a world where zero-carbon ports are actually the new standards together,” said CEO Vanessa Barzasi.

©Island Innovation, 2025