Humphree looking at expansion

Per Landegren, the CEO of Humphree commented, “We had considerable interest from several major builders for our new All-Speed Stabilisation System when we exhibited it for the first time at Cannes. Now we are looking at using the same technology for a fast-acting electric steering system”.

The All-Speed Stabilisation System is the first to combine the use of both interceptors and fins to provide a unique stabilisation system. Both the fins and the interceptors are operated by fast response, high torque electric motors, which gives them the ability to respond quickly to the movements of a hull. It is these same fast reacting electric motors that would provide the power for the proposed steering system where the spade rudder would be connected directly to the electric motor.

“Our electric motors are very compact which not only makes then easy to install but also makes them suitable for a retro-fit installation,” said Landegren. “They also operate on 24 volts DC so that there is no need for a generator to be running for the systems to operate, which for the stabilisation system is a big bonus and makes it suitable for smaller craft.”

Humphree is already involved in the steering sector with their coordinated turn control system that is incorporated into their active ride interceptors. This controls the angle that a boat adopts when turning to reduce the side forces, making the turn stress free in the same way as when an aircraft turns.

Humphree is now a world leader in developing control and stabilising systems for smaller workboats. The company started with its interceptors which provide a much more compact and faster reacting solution for fore and aft trim, replacing flaps. It was the fast response of these interceptors that allowed the company to develop their automatic trim systems and from there the company has moved into more and more advanced systems that have significantly widened their market and maximised the ability to control the movements of a vessel’s hull.

From the interceptor trim control Humphree has developed bow fins that are designed to help control the movements of catamaran hulls and these are being fitted to wind farm vessels building in Denmark. These work in much the same way as the combination fin and interceptor stabilisation system introduced at Cannes which is designed for monohulls and could work for survey and similar vessels. The new steering system adds to the Humphree vessel control portfolio.

By Dag Pike