2023-10-14 16:34:09
In the maritime sector, projects involving small electric ships equipped with foils, these fins installed under the hull, are proliferating. This technology allows substantial energy savings, ranging from 40% to 70%. These ships are now designed for the transport of passengers, and soon even freight, in large ports.
On the waters of Lake Annecy, an unusual boat for twelve passengers, like a sort of “flying” bubble, is currently undergoing tests. “A foiling boat has two wings under its hull, resembling those of an airplane, but submerged underwater. When accelerating, the boat takes off on its wings,” described SeaBubbles deputy general manager Cyril Moëne Wednesday in the 7:30 p.m. of RTS.
This technology is accompanied by electric propulsion, thus eliminating any polluting emissions. An innovation that promises to revolutionize passenger transport by sea.
Limit the impact on the banks
According to naval architect, engineer at EPFL and foil expert Robin Amacher, who is working on the experimental foil single-seater project Swiss Solar Boatthe advantages of these aquatic fins are numerous.
He emphasizes: “Thanks to the foils, we can raise the hull of the boat above the water, thus eliminating the resistance of the water to advancement. This results in significantly reduced energy consumption, while allowing the traveler to enjoy increased comfort: passengers no longer feel the shaking of the waves, which creates a flying carpet feeling.”
And the engineer added: “This technology will help reduce disturbances on the banks, which are sometimes damaged by waves.”
These advantages, however, come with potential disadvantages. As Robin Amacher points out, these boats are more sensitive to obstacles such as wood or algae in the water. In addition, the complex mechanisms of the foils can represent potential sources of failures.
Regular line on Lake Annecy
This summer, in Annecy, a small four-seater boat operated an approved public transport line to bypass the city’s traffic jams. This was a first for an electrically powered hydrofoil.
“With this pilot line, we have created a complete ecosystem, including the electrification of pontoons, regulations and innovation,” indicates Virginie Seurat, general director of SeaBubbles. We now have proof that it works on a small scale, and we are working on a twelve-seater model with a view to deploying it on a larger scale.” The same one that is being tested these days in open water.
This summer, in Annecy, a small four-seater boat operated an approved public transport line. [RTS]
First ferry in 2024
The growth of these hydrofoils is not limited to Annecy. Similar projects are underway in Irelandin Swedento UNITED STATES or even in Germany, promising healthy competition. Also in Switzerland, in Bouveret (VS), a foiling catamaran is being developed for passenger transport on Lake Geneva.
In Belfast, at one of the main players in this sector, Artemis Technologies, technical director Romain Ingouf estimates that “this market represents hundreds of millions of dollars”.
The ambition of this company, which has built foil zodiacs for maintenance on the high seas and will shortly launch its water taxi – a foil vessel for twelve people as well – is to launch a ferry for 150 passengers by the end of 2024.
This will be intended for use in coastal or port cities, such as potentially Stockholm or the San Francisco Bay.
A 150-passenger ferry, intended for use in coastal or port cities such as Stockholm or San Francisco Bay, could be launched by the end of 2024. [RTS]
Technological advances
But why are we seeing this explosion of projects involving foils today, when this technology has existed for more than a century?
“Several factors contribute to this trend,” explains naval architect Robin Amacher. First of all, advances in materials, notably carbon fibers, offer light and rigid structures, ideal for high-performance foils. computer flight control systems make it possible to manage unstable boats in real time, and this in an optimal manner.”
These developments further stimulate innovation, with projects such as a electric boat for four peopleequipped with a retractable foil to facilitate access to the port, imagined by the French sailor Alain Thébault, one of the fathers of foil technology.
The next step he imagines will be to use this same idea for the local container transport in major ports, thanks to retractable and above all very wide foils, therefore capable of transporting significant loads. If implemented, this unique approach will contribute to decarbonizing a major maritime transport sector.
TV subject: Olivier Dessibourg
Adaptation web: exercise
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