High Efficiency Work Vessel (HEWV)

The objective of this collaborative R&D project is to deliver a 10 metre (10m) 'high efficiency work vessel' (HEWV) technology demonstrator to TRL6; as applicable to popular 6m through 11m all-weather utility craft for survey, patrol, fast ferry, tourism and fishing. The project includes further Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis and design to apply those technologies and optimise hydrodynamic efficiency for 15 and 20m vessels in growth markets; e.g. offshore support.

Innovations showcased by the 10m technology demonstrator include new high power density 300hp diesel outboard engines that are optimised for and integrated with a modified, representative, lightweight and low drag hull; delivering 25% fossil fuel savings and 10% material weight savings compared with equivalent craft with gasoline outboard engines.

Innovations covered by the CFD analysis and design work include accelerated development of high powered diesel outboards and 'stern-pod' engines, integrated with a new design lightweight and low drag 15m and 20m hull; delivering 35% fossil fuel savings and up to 50% material weight/cost savings compared with current 15m and 20m work vessels with inboard diesel engines.