A bubble curtain has been installed in the port of Saint-Tropez to contain the hydrocarbons.

Deployed by The Searial Cleaners (a subsidiary of Wearth Group), an expert in combating marine pollution, this installation is a first in France.

Committed to environmental preservation, the Port of Saint-Tropez has obtained the “Clean Ports” and “Biodiversity-Active Clean Ports” certifications, awarded to marinas that adopt exemplary practices to protect biodiversity and reduce their environmental impact. The installation of this InvisiBubble is part of this initiative. Through this system, implemented and financially supported by the Phare Vert fueling station, which notably offers fuel for boats and yachts, the port continues its commitment to limiting pollution, preserving marine biodiversity, and managing its resources.

An innovation to contain hydrocarbons in the port

Deployed by The Searial Cleaners, the InvisiBubble solution is a bubble curtain, suitable for all aquatic environments, which can serve various functions: blocking/redirecting waste, limiting sedimentation, or containing hydrocarbons while preserving the surrounding wildlife. It is this last function that is the focus of the system installed at the Port of Saint-Tropez.

The principle is simple: at the bottom of the sea, one or more pipes, depending on the case, are connected to an air compressor. The latter generates a flow of air, sent into the perforated pipe which allows the escaping bubbles to pass through, thus creating a veritable curtain of bubbles, from the bottom of the water to the surface.

This device addresses a problem frequently encountered in port and marina areas: hydrocarbon leaks (fuels, engine oils, greases) caused by spills or accidental spills during refueling at the port or marina's gas station. Because these are semi-closed ecosystems where water renewal is intentionally limited, the presence of hydrocarbons is almost inevitable (leaks from nozzles, overflowing tanks, oil drain residues, etc.), creating a thin film on the surface or mixing with the water column and sediments. The impact is damaging both to the ecosystems (suffocating fauna and flora) and due to toxicity (introducing carcinogenic and bioaccumulative components into the food chain).

The InvisiBubble acts as a protective barrier to prevent hydrocarbons from spreading throughout the port. As soon as a user notices a leak, they can activate the bubble curtain with a push button to stop its spread. The bubble curtain activates and creates an internal current within the area delimited by the pipes, concentrating the hydrocarbon slicks and thus facilitating pumping.

Suitable for all environments (ports, marinas, rivers, lakes, ponds), the device does not disturb fauna or flora and has no impact on the environment. It can target all organic waste and garbage from the bottom to the surface of the water, and increases oxygen levels in the water, preserving the balance of the surrounding ecosystem. Beyond the time savings it represents, this solution is advantageous because it requires no human or material resources to operate and consumes very little electricity.

Saint-Tropez: a pioneering territory with groundbreaking technology

Installed at the Green Lighthouse Station in May 2026, the use of this InvisiBubble is unprecedented in France: it is the first time that hydrocarbons have been confined using this technology.

However, The Searial Cleaners has already deployed other InvisiBubble devices around the world, notably in Paris in 2024, where 4 bubble curtains were installed in the Ourcq canal to allow for more efficient collection of floating waste (blocking and redirecting waste to a collection point).

According to Antoine Repiton-Préneuf, Head of Innovation at The Searial Cleaners (Wearth Group): “Our goal is to develop technologies to combat marine pollution: the InvisiBubble fits perfectly into this strategy. We are delighted to leverage our expertise to make the port of Saint-Tropez a more protected area, through an innovative solution that has no impact on the flora and fauna and does not disrupt the activities of boaters. The ability to activate the bubble curtain on demand actively contributes to empowering users and making the fight against pollution a cause shared by everyone.”

According to Pascal Bonnet, director of the port of Saint-Tropez: “The installation of this device at the Green Lighthouse Station is a further step towards preserving the marine environment. Our commitment, demonstrated by obtaining the “Clean Ports” and “Clean Ports Active in Biodiversity” certifications, is based on a firm desire to make the port an attractive and environmentally friendly space. This InvisiBubble helps raise awareness among boaters, residents, and visitors about the vital importance of protecting the sea and its environment. We are proud that Saint-Tropez is the first city in France to implement this solution for containing hydrocarbons.”