Projects
At Fjord CleanUP, we take pride in transforming our local waterways through innovative, hands-on environmental initiatives. Each of our projects is designed to tackle pollution, restore ecosystems, and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Oslofjord. From creative art installations to restoration efforts, we aim to make a tangible impact on the health of our fjord and inspire others to join us in this mission.
Launching in April 2025, Kayak For Trash invites you to combine adventure with action. We will offer free kayak rentals on Oslo Fjord and Akerselva canal from our bases in Bjørvika and Lysaker for those eager to help clean up the Oslofjord while enjoying time on the water. We will provide all equipment + bags and gloves.
To participate, you’ll need some prior paddling experience and the ability to look after yourself and others on the water. Oslo Fjord can get quite rough, so it is important to check the weather before you go kayaking and wear appropriate equipment. If you have no experience we can recommend attending a beginner kayak course with our partners Mad Goats.
We do will not require you to weigh or document the trash that you find while out kayaking. Just collect any trash you encounter while you are out enjoying the fjord in your kayak, and be part of the solution for a cleaner, healthier fjord.
Stay tuned for updates as we gear up to launch this exciting project that combines fitness, outdoor adventure and sustainability all in one!
ScooterTron (2021)
Scooter-Tron was a striking art installation created from electric scooters recovered from the Oslofjord in 2021 – since removed by a mysterious actor. It symbolises the brave sea gull spirit and transformative power of cleanup efforts. Fjord CleanUP’s work in addressing scooter pollution during their initial introduction to Oslo played a pivotal role in shaping the stricter regulations in place today.
When scooters first arrived, we were pulling hundreds of them out of the water, as there were no restrictions on the number of companies operating or the number of scooters allowed. Parking was also unrestricted, with scooters often left dangerously close to the water’s edge.
Over the years, through collaboration with scooter companies and Oslo Kommune, significant progress has been made. Now, only three companies are permitted to operate in Oslo, each limited to 2,000 scooters, for a total of 6,000—an enormous reduction from the 30,000+ scooters when they were first introduced. This achievement underscores the impact of consistent efforts to protect our fjord and urban environment.
McWeed Sugar Kelp Restoration (Ongoing)
McWeed is our ambitious seaweed restoration initiative at Tjuvholmen which we started in 2021 (and were the first in Oslo to run a pilot growing sugar kelp.
Seaweed plays a crucial role in supporting marine ecosystems and cleaning our
waters.” We have also installed lobster houses gifted from Marin Reparetorene
together with Bymiljotaten in Sukkerbiten. Currently, Artur our restoration hero, ais working on an artificial reef project planned in Tjuvholmen together with NTNU, NIVA and Marea Oslo – stay tuned for updates!
Autonomous Cleaning – The Aqua Pod (Ongoing)
We’ve partnered with Clean Sea Solutions to install Aqua Pods that autonomously collect waste from the water. The first pod, located by the Opera House, is already operational, and more are in the works. The plan is to install several Aqua Pods around the central waterfront in the dirtiest rubbish hot spots. Are you interested in supporting more Aqua Pods in Oslo? If yes, please check out how you can help fund an Aqua Pod here.
Tjuvholmen Pop-Up CleanUP Gallery (2022)
In 2022, Fjord CleanUP partnered with our generous sponsor, Selvaag Eiendom, to create a unique pop-up space in Tjuvholmen. The initiative served as both an action hub and an awareness platform, bringing the community together for a cleaner Oslofjord.
Throughout the project, we hosted public clean-up events where volunteers joined us to remove trash from the fjord, making a visible and lasting impact on the local environment. Inside the pop-up, we curated a photo gallery showcasing the shocking variety of items pulled from the fjord—from everyday waste to unexpected finds—highlighting the importance of continued efforts to restore our waterways.
This project combined education, action, and community engagement, and it remains a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together for the health of our fjord.
Other noteworthy achievements
Fjord CleanUP recently collaborated with Bymiljøetaten to install new and upgraded bins along the lower part of the Akerselva River, an area known for its persistent litter issues. Over the years, we have witnessed full bins being thrown into the river, animals scattering rubbish, and bins overflowing. The new bins are designed to prevent these problems, significantly reducing the amount of waste entering the Akerselva River and ultimately flowing into the Oslofjord.
When we first began cleaning the canal in Tjuvholmen, known as Dokka, it was essentially a rubbish dump, with trash covering the entire seafloor and clearly visible from the surface. Now, after more than four years of dedicated cleaning, the seafloor is completely free of debris, as you can see from the bridge. We only need to visit occasionally for maintenance. This demonstrates the significant impact that regular and consistent fjord cleaning can have on the environment
