Nimbus Groups AB (publ) has contributed to developing a concept boat based on an energy-efficient hull. In recent days, sea tests have begun of the boat, whose hull design means that it requires approximately 50 percent less energy for propulsion.
The concept boat has been developed in collaboration between Nimbus Group its brand Alukin and the two Norwegian companies Pascal Technologies AS and Evoy AS. The hull is based on Pascal Technologies’ energy efficient AirHull technology and the propulsion takes place with the help of an electric outboard motor developed by Evoy.
By using aluminum for the boat’s hull and superstructure the boat is 100 percent recyclable, which further reduces the boat's environmental impact. Nimbus Group's stated objective is that the company's boats should have as little negative environmental impact as possible both during manufacture and in connection with use. The company has not locked itself into individual engine or hull technologies and is fully open to try different technologies to increase the boats' environmental sustainability.
"Testing new hull concepts, as in this case, is typical of our pragmatic approach and our curiosity about new technologies. If we are to manage to live up to our high standards in the area of sustainability, we must be prepared to think and try new things whenever we have the opportunity," says Jan-Erik Lindström, CEO of Nimbus Group.
Pascal Technologies' hull concept is based on a combination of a traditional boat hull and the principles used by boats with very energy-efficient hull technologies, so-called surface effect ships. By using a fan to push air under the boat, the proportion of the hull that is in contact with the water's surface is reduced and thus the energy consumption. Tests of this type of hull have shown that the technology can reduce energy consumption by between 30 and 50 percent, which increases the boat's range by 50-100 percent compared to using a traditional hull. A more easily driven hull can facilitate the conversion to electric powertrains.
