Norwegian companies Wavefoil and IP Huse have signed an agreement on the production of retractable bow foils.
Retractable bow foils give reduced fuel consumption in waves, and in addition increased comfort. With the current focus on the environment and sustainability, this will be an important contributor to meet the requirements for less emissions in the maritime industry.
Wavefoil, founded in 2016, offers retractable bow foils (underwater wings) for ships. The foils typically save 5-15% fuel and improve comfort on board. The benefits of bow foils have long been known, but Wavefoil is the first company to have developed a commercial and patented solution where the foils can be pulled into the ship’s hull, which is crucial for this type of foils to be a commercial success
It has been important for Wavefoil to find a partner who knows the maritime industry and the requirements that are set. “I P Huse has the right expertise and facilities so that we can be sure that customers get a quality product that meets the requirements of the market,” said Eirik Bøckmann, general manager of Wavefoil.
The first project in the new collaboration will be the production and installation of Wavefoil’s first foil module of type WF5910, where Wavefoil has received support from the EU program EIC Accelerator for technology development, growth, and scaling. WF5910 is dimensioned for ships from 100 to 200m.
The collaboration also covers service and start-up of Wavefoil’s products. “With I P Huse’s expertise and good reputation as a quality supplier of products in the maritime industry, the collaboration will give our products a stamp of quality,” said Pål-Ove Husøy, Sales Director at Wavefoil.
“We have had a good collaboration from day one, and we are very happy to have reached an agreement. We look forward to contributing to the production of Wavefoil’s products,” commented Håkon Heieraas, COO of I P Huse.
In an unconnected development, Last week Wavefoil Wavefoil secured a contract with Sea Technology to provide retractable bow foils for two ambulance vessels, operated by Gulen Skyss. The vessels are designed by Sea Technology and will be built in composite material by Måløy Verft/Easy Form. Both vessels are planned to be in operation before May 1st, 2022.
This will be the second project where Wavefoil has provided foil modules for ambulance vessels. Following the success with the ambulance vessel Thea Jensen, this contract demonstrates the importance of satisfied pilot customers. “We have already documented 25% motion damping for Thea Jensen, and we are confident that these new vessels will obtain a significant patient safety and comfort improvement with our foils deployed”, said Bøckmann.
Wavefoil’s delivery for the two ambulance vessels is four WF1050 modules with control panels, with the possibility for remote monitoring, increasing the operational safety and ensuring optimal performance.
