New innovative water propelled RIB
Netherlands based Post Workboats has developed a unique Tornado RIB with water jet propulsion especially for the offshore and wind farm industry and patrol duties.
According to managing director, Klaas Post: “It’s the first time that such a RIB has been equipped with water jets. And what is more, it offers many important advantages. With water jets you can manoeuvre accurately down to the centimetre, it is perfectly safe for rescuing people and for divers.”
It’s also perfect for the offshore industry. Mr Post said to Maritime Journal: “Due to the severe safety requirements in the offshore industry vessels with gasoline engines are not allowed so the Tornado 8.50, with its diesel engine and the water jets, is highly suitable for crew tendering and the fast delivery of equipment. We saw a gap in the market and wanted to monopolise it – we can build these RIBs or lease them to a client.”
Post developed the Tornado 8.50 in cooperation with the manufacturer Tornado and Alamarin – the waterjet propulsion experts.
The RIB is unique because its hull had to be modified to incorporate the waterjets. Mr Post explained that the hull of a standard RIB does not have the right shape for using a waterjet – a v-formed hull does not have enough carrying capacity. So Tornado, advised by Alamarin and Post specialists, made a new plug – essential for making sure nothing affects the intake and performance of the waterjets.
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