Innovate funding advances Cheetah
To mark the start of this year’s Southampton Boatshow, Cheetah Marine was delighted to welcome Ruth McKernan, Head of Innovate UK to launch the latest Cheetah Catamaran.
11.2m Crystal Spray features Cheetah’s advanced hull design and represents the finale of an 18 month collaborative R&D Partnership with The University of Southampton and Cox Powertrain.
Innovate UK is the Government agency responsible for driving and part funding business technology projects to grow the UK economy. Cheetah Marine’s successful bid formed part of the Marine Vessel Efficiency Program, one of the few marine focused projects to date. Sean Strevens, Cheetah designer said “Our project brought together diesel outboard technology from Cox powertrain, CFD and hull modelling through The University of Southampton and Cheetah’s 25 years of catamaran design experience to achieve amongst other things, a highly efficient hull which can be containerised for easy and cost effective international shipping.”
While the vessel on show had twin 300hp Yamahas, the design has been optimized for Cox Powertrain’s forthcoming 300hp diesel outboards.
Innovate UK Chief Executive Ruth McKernan said: “This is a significant milestone for Cheetah Marine and Innovate UK is proud to have supported this important project helping the company to innovate and grow. It highlights the strengths of UK marine businesses and the role they can play in developing the next generation of high-tech, energy efficient vessels for the global market.”
By Jake Frith
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