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Innovative solutions for coastal and nearshore environmeltal protection
The Flexible Filtering Environmental Protection Barge – FEB-I
A new standard in surface water protection – designed and built in Denmark, ready for global deployment.
FLEX-FEB ApS is the company behind the world’s first Flexible Filtering Environmental Protection Barge – the FEB-I. Developed in partnership with Søby Shipyard, one of Denmark’s leading innovators in maritime construction, the FEB-I represents a new class of agile, modular response technology for polluted surface waters.
Designed for everyday clean-up and emergency response, the FEB-I is a flexible and rapidly deployable platform that removes oil, plastic, seaweed, and other pollutants directly from the water’s surface – whether in coastal zones, rivers, lakes, inner waterways or ports.
Its modular design allows operators to configure the unit to their specific needs. Up to four barges can be stacked in a cradle and transported globally using standard handling equipment – no custom logistics required.
In a world where marine pollution is both persistent and unpredictable, the FEB-I offers daily functionality with emergency-readiness built in. FLEX-FEB continues to expand this capability with a growing range of integrated tools and equipment tailored to real-world clean-up challenges.
Built for action.
Designed for resilience.
A Danish innovation with global impact.
The advantages of the barge
Efficient on-site filtration — no need for complex infrastructure.
The FEB-I is more than a collection unit. It’s a self-contained surface filtration system, capable of collecting oil-contaminated water, separating it, and returning clean water directly back into the sea — all in one streamlined operation.
This process relies on a fundamental physical principle: oil floats. As the barge collects oil-mixed water, the oil naturally rises to the top of the central hold. The heavier water settles at the bottom, where it passes through a specially designed hydrophilic filter. This filter allows water molecules to exit freely while trapping oil and other floating pollutants inside.
The result is fast, effective surface recovery, with no need for external pumps, separators, or processing stations. The FEB-I delivers practical, real-time environmental protection – directly at the source.
Because response time matters. And so does clean water.
Designed for shallow waters. Built for real-world conditions.
Most oil recovery vessels can’t operate near beaches or shallow coastal zones — exactly where pollution often gathers first. That’s where the FEB-I stands apart.
With a constant draft of just 0.6 meters, the FEB-I is engineered for shallow water operations, from harbours and estuaries to beaches and coastal infrastructure. Its unique construction — a central hold with buoyant pontoons along the sides, bow, and stern — ensures remarkable stability and predictable draft, regardless of load or conditions.
At the heart of the design is a hydrophilic filter system that creates an open, passive connection between the barge’s hold and the surrounding water. This smart, self-leveling approach not only simplifies operation but allows for consistent performance in sensitive or difficult-to-access areas.
When every metre of coastline matters, flexibility isn’t optional — it’s essential.
That’s why the FEB-I was built to go where others can’t.
Intuitive by design — no specialist training required.
The FEB-I is built to be operated by real-world crews in real-world conditions. Its design prioritizes simplicity and usability, meaning no complex systems or extended training programs are needed.
With standard seamanship skills, operators can deploy, maneuver, and manage the FEB-I and its functional equipment effectively. Controls are straightforward. Handling is predictable. And the overall system is intuitive and practical, even under time pressure.
This makes the FEB-I especially valuable for ports, municipalities, emergency responders, and coastal operators who need fast, reliable deployment without logistical complexity.
Because protecting the marine environment shouldn’t require a specialist crew – just the right tool.
Global mobility, standard footprint, TEU-format.
The FEB-I is designed to move with the world — seamlessly and efficiently. With the exact footprint of a standard 20-foot ISO container, and equipped with integrated corner castings, it fits directly into existing global transport systems.
Whether by sea, rail, road, or port crane, no special handling equipment is needed. Four FEB-I units can be securely stacked in a cradle, forming a TEU-compliant load – ideal for cost-effective international logistics or centralized emergency stockpiling.
The standard format also allows for light, flexible deployment. A single FEB-I can be stored or moved on a trailer towable by a medium-sized car — making it possible to mobilize a professional-grade clean-up asset with minimal effort and personnel.
In coastal protection, speed and flexibility matter – and so does logistics.
The FEB-I is ready to deploy wherever it’s needed.
Minimal maintenance. Maximum readiness.
The FEB-I is constructed from seawater-resistant aluminum, ensuring durability in harsh marine environments — without the constant upkeep traditional vessels require.
Its rugged build allows the unit to be stored for long periods, either in a transport cradle or on a trailer, with little to no maintenance between deployments. That means less time spent on upkeep, and more time focused on clean-up operations when they matter most.
And when it comes to lifecycle responsibility, aluminum offers a clear advantage: it’s 100% recyclable. This makes the FEB-I not only a smart operational choice, but a sustainable investment for environmentally focused operators.
Reliable when needed. Quiet when not.
Built to last – and built responsibly.
Lightweight. Built for agility.
Weighing in at just 1,000 kg, the FEB-I offers exceptional performance without the bulk. This includes the full structure — bulkheads, deck planks, mounting points, and fixtures ready to support key clean-up tools such as oil skimmers or hydraulic power units.
Its low weight translates directly into easy handling, fast deployment, and minimal strain on towing or lifting equipment. Whether transported by trailer or hoisted at sea, the FEB-I is built to move — not just float.
Despite its compact design, the barge retains an additional 300 kg of buoyancy, allowing operators to integrate auxiliary systems without compromising performance or stability.
When the job demands precision, mobility, and speed – the FEB-I delivers.
More than oil recovery. A truly multifunctional platform.
While the FEB-I is purpose-built for oil recovery in shallow waters, inland waterways, ports, lakes and rivers its design goes far beyond a single task.
Depending on the surface skimmer attached, the FEB-I can be used to collect seaweed, eelgrass, floating plastics, and other debris – making it a powerful tool for routine clean-up and environmental maintenance.
Its stable, open-deck structure also allows it to function as a floating work platform, a mobile water collection station in contaminated zones, or even a transport vessel for fish fry for aquaculture operations.
This adaptability makes the FEB-I a valuable asset for coast guards, environmental emergency agencies, municipalities, ports and private operators seeking one solution for multiple surface challenges.
One platform.
Multiple missions.
Built to adapt.
Short response time and highly mobile.
In oil clean-up operations, response time is critical. The FEB-I is engineered for speed, mobility, and ease of launch — whether for routine surface maintenance or urgent pollution response.
Thanks to its light weight, low-maintenance construction, and standard 20-foot container format, the FEB-I can be transported and mobilized quickly using existing infrastructure. It’s always ready – stacked in cradles (up to four units per cradle) for regional or international operations or stored on a trailer for local deployment.
Launch options are equally flexible. The FEB-I can be deployed directly from a beach, a ramp, or a pier using a trailer – or launched by crane from a port or mothership for remote or offshore operations.
From cradle or trailer into operation in minutes – because the environment can’t wait!
Compatible with existing equipment.
The FEB-I is frequently shown with FLEX-FEB’s own electrically powered belt skimmer, offering the advantages of remote monitoring and autonomous operation for hands-off efficiency.
But it’s not a closed system.
The FEB-I is designed for compatibility with most small to medium-sized oil skimmers, regardless of manufacturer — as long as the combined weight of the skimmer and power unit stays within 300 kg.
This gives operators the freedom to integrate their existing recovery tools, extending the FEB-I’s functionality without additional investment or system changes.
Open platform. Seamless integration.
Built to fit equipment already.
"Capacity Extender" - amplify existing capacities.
When using the FEB in combination with, or as an add-on to already available oil collection equipment, efficiency and capacity increase dramatically.
Even the best available oil skimmers will typically collect a minimum of 80% water with the oil – and for light oil types close to 99% water – resulting in a shortage of tank and transport capacity for the collected mix of oil and water.
When pumping the mix of oil and water into the FEB, the barges on-site filtration capability enables a concentration of close to 100% oil, which dramatically reduces the requirement for tank capacity.
Low CAPEX. High impact.
The FEB-I is designed as a modular functional asset – much like a snowplow mounted on a standard truck. You invest directly in the core capability: surface collection and filtration – not in costly extras like propulsion, navigation, or communication systems.
This keeps capital expenditure low and targeted. The FEB-I is deployed by locally sourced vessels, allowing operators to use existing resources instead of investing in a dedicated fleet.
Whether used as a permanent asset or a shared regional resource, the FEB-I delivers professional-grade performance without the high entry cost of conventional oil recovery vessels.
A smart investment in clean water – without the weight of unnecessary systems.
Low OPEX. Built for simplicity and self-reliance.
The FEB-I is engineered for minimal operational cost – without compromising performance.
Its straightforward design means no ongoing maintenance routines, no frequent readiness checks, and no need for specialist training to keep it mission-ready. Ordinary seamanship is enough, and refresher training is rarely required.
And once deployed, the FEB-I can operate autonomously when paired with a compatible skimmer, reducing the need for continuous on-site personnel. That translates into fewer staff hours, lower attrition risk, and no 24/7 manning requirement.
It’s a simple equation: fewer moving parts, fewer costs, fewer complications.
Just a smart, effective tool that works when and where it’s needed.
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Maritime Contingency Planning
X-FEB provides cost-efficient contingency planning through detailed analyses of emergency response models tailored to legal requirements and relevant maritime risk scenarios. Our services are designed for ports, municipalities, and authorities seeking both compliance and operational efficiency.
Unlike traditional specialized models, our approach is based on a functional contingency concept. This ensures a locally anchored, effective, and financially sustainable emergency response.
The strength of the functional model lies in the separation of functional equipment and transport platforms (e.g. vessels or trucks). This means that transport assets remain available for everyday operational tasks – while the functional equipment can be rapidly deployed in case of an incident.
Maritime Environmental Consulting
As ports become more urbanized, public awareness of maritime environmental issues grows, and regulatory requirements shift toward risk-based emergency response, the need for expert consulting has never been greater.
FLEX-FEB delivers specialized advisory services in maritime environmental protection to municipalities, ports, emergency services, shipping companies, and the offshore sector.
Our consulting helps stakeholders design and implement effective, compliant, and sustainable strategies for protecting the marine environment—ensuring readiness while meeting legal and societal expectations.
