Two new electric boats to ride on ‘cushion of air’ with energy efficient AirHull technology

Norwegian Startup Pascal Technologies has announced that two new electric vessels, the NABCREW Zero AirBlue 1240 and the Hugin DC, will both be integrating the company’s energy efficient AirHull technology.

Airhull technology lifts hull out of the water

The AirHull technology brings three elements together to reduce energy consumption of a boat by as much as 50%.

• First, the hull has sort of a ridge around the outer rim that meets the water, creating a hollow cavity underneath the boat.
• Then a lift fan, positioned at the bow, pumps air into the cavity.
• Finally, a flap drops to seal the cavity at the stern, creating a pressurizedspace that lifts the boat 15 – 20 cm (6-8″) out of the water, reducing drag and energy consumption.

These images are taken from a video on the Pascal Technology wesbite that does a good job of explaining the system.

One of the keys for extending the range of an electric boat is reducing the energy needed for propulsion, and anything that reduces the wet area of the hull and the massive effect of water resistance and friction is beneficial.

The active hydrofoiling technology of companies like Candela, Artemis Technologies, Vessev and Edorado is one way to do that. Using highly effective but also complex technology, they lift the hull entirely out of the water.

Passive hydrofoiling, like that used in the DeAntonio E23, does not require special technology, it uses a stationary foil fastened between two catamaran hulls to raise the hull slightly out of the water.

Read: Chasing an America’s Cup Yacht in the De Antonion E23

The Pascal AirHull is somewhere in between, it allows the boat to ride on a cushion of air, so some of the hull is still in contact with the water at times, but less than in passive hydrofoiling.

The two new electric boats using the AirHull technology are quite different, and demonstrate the flexibility of the Pascal system. One is a heavy duty workboat built of aluminum, the other a classic wooden dayboat.

Two boats show flexibility of AirHull

The NABCREW Zero AirBlue 1240 is being built by Moen Marin AS, the world’s largest supplier of workboats for the aquaculture industry, who built built the world’s largest fishing vessel using hybrid electric propulsion in 2019. Its entire line of vessels, from 12 to 39.5 metres (36 to 130 ft) – are now powered with hybrid systems.

The Zero AirBlue 1240 is their first all-electric boat. It will be used to take crews to and from aquaculture sites, carrying up to eight passengers at a service speed of 20-25 knots with a range of up to 40 nautical miles.

With a battery capacity of 378 kWh and fast-charging compatibility, the vessel aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable service and aquaculture transport solutions. The NABCREW is specifically designed to operate year round in tough Nordic conditions.

Model for other commercial vessels

“There is a great potential for electrification of vessels in the aquaculture industry and the collaboration with Moen Marin is a great entry point to the aquaculture and service vessel industry” said Markus Tufte-Johnsen, CCO at Pascal. “We expect this model to be relevant for other commercial vessel markets as well.”

The Hugin DC, built by HCC Boatyard, is a 9.15 meter (30 ft) wooden boat of classic Nordic design named after the raven of Norse God Odin, which flew out every morning and always returned to safe harbour. An eco-conscious leisure boat in the motor yacht and tender segment, it is tailored for calmer waters than what a workboat would need to endure.

HCC works with electric propulsion manufacturers Oceanvolt and Vetus, and has selected twin electric motors from Rim Drive Technology for the Hugin. The 48V electric propulsion system will provide a cruising speed of 12 knots. Where the AirHull technology comes in is enabling extended range and operational cost savings because of significantly reduced power consumption.

While official launch dates and showcase locations are still being finalized, the NABCREW is expected to be presented along the Norwegian coast in coordination with Moen Marin. The first deliveries of the Hugin are scheduled for later this year.

Pascal Technologies  Hugin DC  NABCREW Zero AirBlue 1240
See Motors for sale in the Plugboats Marketplace:  Oceanvolt    Rim Drive Technology

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