Stopping Ocean Plastic at the Source

In Panama’s Matías Hernández River, Worthington partnered with Marea Verde (Green Tide) to install a TUFFBOOM litter boom, preventing plastic and debris from flowing into the ocean. Before installation, the river was a major source of pollution, contributing to plastic waste in Panama Bay. The barrier, nicknamed B.O.B. (Barrera of Basura), captured over 100 tons of trash in just 18 months, ranging from plastic bottles to refrigerators and tires. This initiative showcases how TUFFBOOM solutions provide scalable, proactive interventions for plastic pollution—tackling the problem before it reaches the ocean.

Key Takeaway: River-based barriers are an effective solution for ocean plastic mitigation, reducing cleanup costs and environmental damage.

Engineered for Alpine Debris Protection

At the Durlassboden Dam in Gerlos, Austria, Worthington Products engineered a DebrisMaster floating barrier systemto protect the morning glory spillway from floating debris. Located in a high-elevation alpine reservoir, this site faces large seasonal water level fluctuations and the risk of sudden debris inflow from avalanches and rapid snowmelt.

The DebrisMaster system is specifically designed to adapt to variable conditions while maintaining continuous debris interception. Its durable construction ensures long-term performance in harsh environments, helping dam operators safeguard infrastructure, maintain spillway capacity, and protect public recreation areas.

Key Takeaway: High-altitude reservoirs demand resilient, flexible debris control systems to ensure dam safety, hydropower efficiency, and environmental protection all year round.

The right outcome doesn’t always require the biggest product.

At Colombia’s Ituango Dam, this photo captures a large debris field successfully contained by a properly engineered TUFFBOOM barrier system from Worthington Products. While the scale of debris might suggest the need for a massive structure, Worthington’s solution proves otherwise: the right outcome doesn’t always require the biggest product.

Our team applied decades of experience in debris mitigation, flow dynamics, and site-specific conditions to deliver a barrier system tailored to this reservoir—not a one-size-fits-all approach. This is the Worthington difference: we offer a complete range of floating barrier solutions, ensuring each client receives a system engineered for performance, durability, and efficiency.

Key Takeaway: Large debris loads don’t always require oversized barriers—just smart design. Worthington delivers solutions based on need, not inventory.

Experience in Action

At this hydropower site, Worthington crews are seen towing heavy concrete anchor blocks across the reservoir for barrier installation. The original installation plan, proposed by another contractor, called for a complex and costly floating work platform—an approach with a price tag exceeding $2 million.

Drawing from decades of on-the-water experience, Worthington developed a smarter, leaner alternative. Instead of importing flexifloat barges, we deployed a streamlined method: floating and placing anchor blocks individually using standard workboats and float bags.

The result? A 7X reduction in installation costs, on-time delivery, and full client satisfaction—proving that practical innovation and deep industry knowledge lead to better outcomes.

Key Takeaway: Worthington’s field-tested expertise drives efficient, cost-effective project execution without compromising quality or safety.

ODINFloat Barriers in Tailrace Waters – Engineered for the Unforgiving.

ODINFloat tailrace barriers showcase what Worthington does best: solving problems others avoid. Tailrace zones—defined by high velocity, turbulence, and unpredictable flows—are notorious for destroying floating barriers.

Our first attempt in 1997 taught us hard lessons. Today, Worthington tailrace systems are field-proven and purpose-built. We engineer robust, self-rotating ODINFloat & BoataBuster barriers with high visibility and internal tension systems that hold strong in turbulent flow conditions where other systems fail.

This project is a clear example of Worthington’s commitment to evolving through experience—delivering smart, site-specific designs that keep people safe and projects running reliably.

Key Takeaway: Tailrace areas demand more than durability—they require design intelligence. Worthington’s ODINFloat barrier performs where others cant