In Kota Kinabalu, the Mobula 8.2 Officially Sets Sail

Alongside Marine Research Foundation and local authorities, The SeaCleaners is launching a 3-year expedition in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia.

The Mobula 8.2 in Kota Kinabalu Bay and locally manufactured ecobricks.

By The SeaCleaners Swiss Team
Published on 08.05.2025

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On 07.05.2025, Sabah authorities, the City of Kota Kinabalu, and our partners gathered to officially inaugurate operations for the Mobula 8.2. The vessel had already completed its first collection on 03.04.2025: the expedition is now entering its operational phase.

From Geneva to the Shores of Borneo

Unveiled in Switzerland in spring 2024, then inaugurated in Malaysia at Port Klang in 02/2025, the Mobula 8.2 arrived in Kota Kinabalu with a clear mission: intercept floating waste before it disperses offshore and gain a better understanding of pollution sources.

Everyday Local Cooperation

Our partner Marine Research Foundation, renowned for its expertise in marine biodiversity, is coordinating on-site operations. A memorandum of understanding signed in 04/2025 with the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) strengthens cooperation with municipal services.

Collect, analyse, share knowledge

The intervention area is divided into 5 sectors, from the waters off Gaya Island to Sepanggar and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The crew adapts its outings to sea conditions, sorts the waste, and documents findings to guide future actions.

Collection is only the beginning: local upcycling, awareness raising, and training are designed to enable Malaysian stakeholders to carry on the programme sustainably.

Sources: press release dated 08.05.2025; Mobula 8.2 briefing document.