A tender competition has been launched as part of the EU funded BB Green project for the construction of a full size prototype Air Supported Vessel (ASV) battery powered, fast commuter ferry.
The aim of the three year project, which was initiated by SES Europe AS (Norway), is to demonstrate the feasibility of the first ever zero emission ASV ferry. The new ASV hull form, developed by SES Europe and Effect Ships International, has a cavity underneath the hull to allow a lift fan system to feed pressurized air into a sealed air cushion chamber which will support up to 80% of the vessel’s operational displacement.
Yards and boat builders from across Europe are invited to participate in a public tender following the completion of the first project phase which included extensive tank testing of the new air support hull. Tests revealed significantly reduced hull resistance for the ASV monohull over a wide range of speeds up to 35 knots.
The next stage of the project requires full scale testing of the new waterborne concept under real operational conditions.
The 20m BB Green prototype will have a carbon construction, which will contribute to reducing the vessel’s weight to boost overall efficiency. The ferry, which has been designed to carry up to 80 passengers and up to 30 bicycles, will be equipped ready for commercial applications.
Dutch partner, Aqualiner, is said to be interested in the new concept, along with Province Zuid Holland and the Port of Rotterdam, among others.
European yards and boat builders are invited to participate and submit a tender offer by the deadline of 20 June 2013. A tender information package will be available from SES Europe AS - contact tor.livgard@effectships.com
