Development

At this point in time, the O-foil project is still in the industrialization phase. Technical calculations have been completed and various institutes have confirmed that the O-foil works. The first trials using a scale model (1:9) were successfully completed in 2010. Click on trial run to watch the video clip. The first inland vessel (prototype) using an O-foil propulsion and manoeuvring system will be delivered in 2013. For more information on the use and benefits of the O-foil go to inland navigation. The O-foil is expected to be readily available on the market for inland vessels in 2013.

Model tests by MARIN and our own tests give the following results for a ship length of 92 meter, breadth 9.5 m, draught of 3.10 m and a displacement of 2225.4 mton.

• 16.9 km/h with P_D 350kW (η_D=63%)
• 11 km/h speed astern
• 14 km/h at ballast draught and blade stroke partly out of the water
• Stop distance fully loaded within 2 ship length
• Stop distance partly loaded within 1 ship length