Full-scale tests in Stockholm, for high-speed electric commuter vessel

Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 13:17

The development of the BB GREEN Air Supported Vessel has been ongoing for several years. Now, a demonstrator called “AiriEl” has been delivered from the shipyard in Riga to Stockholm for optimisation and sea trials. This Air Supported demo vessel utilizes electric propulsion and the aim is to reach a cruising speed of 25 knots. SSPA has been commissioned by Stockholm County Council to conduct and verify the model tests previously carried out by SSPA for the prototype. The goal is new fast ferries that enables rapid and environmentally friendly public transport in cities.

During 2008 - 2015 a ship concept design was developed within the EU project BB GREEN. A ship concept design and system solution that can be used for different types of boats. The hull design is based on patented hull technology developed by Effect Ships International AS. The vessel type is called ASV, Air Supported Vessel, which rides partially on a cushion of air reducing the wetted hull surface compared to a conventional hull. The air cushion is replenished by a fan blowing air into a cavity in the ships bottom.

SSPA has experience in conducting model tests and full-scale testing of hull forms. In previous model tests, SSPA has measured up to 40% lower energy consumption for ASV compared to a conventional design with similar main dimensions. These full-scale measurements will include a traditional sea trial and measurements of waves and noise generated by the vessel. The sea trial aims at comparing the full scale ship with the prediction from the model testing performed by SSPA. In this way the hydrodynamic performance of the vessel can be assessed. The waves generated by the vessel are of interest for boaters but mainly for reducing shore erosion along a possible future route. A range of speeds will be tested. The entire trial will be carried out during the autumn 2016.

A special feature with this vessel is that it is fully electrically powered with batteries and quick charging technology. This is an interesting feature of the prototype; however, it does not impact the hydrodynamics of the testing. The radiated noise of the vessel will, most likely, be affected by choosing electrical drive to replace the conventional four stroke combustion engine.     

Photo:The vessel “AiriEl” will initially be used for demonstration purposes across Europe. Krister Nilsson www.skargardsbatar.se. Read more at www.bbgreen.info.

Electric ASV Vessel BB Green AiriEl during test runs (by Green City Ferries)

The tests for this high-speed electric commuter vessel has given attention on Swedish television. Take a look at this clip from SVT Play News Stockholm, (in Swedish) www.svtplay.se/klipp/10797025/elbat-upp-till-test