Partners: University of Galway & ÉireComposites
Funding: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Marine Institute – €594,034 over the course of 24 months.
Disclaimer: “This project is being supported with financial contribution from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Marine Institute under the SEAI National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration Funding Programme 2022, Grant number 22/RDD/876.”
Project Background
In today’s globalized economy, demand for international goods is rapidly increasing, necessitating faster, more efficient shipping solutions. However, the expansion of maritime fleets and more frequent voyages are leading to a significant rise in carbon emissions. Cutting down on fuel consumption is vital to combat this issue and can be achieved through the installation of bow foils on vessels. These foils help to minimize drag, motions, and vibrations, leading to smoother, more efficient journeys.
FASTSHIP Objectives
The FASTSHIP project is developing a bow foil made of glass reinforced plastic and CPET, which can be either retrofitted to existing vessels or integrated into new ship designs. Concentrating on optimising the manufacturing process for this innovation, FASTSHIP aims to encourage widespread adoption across the maritime industry by demonstrating a feasible, scalable solution to an important issue. The FASTSHIP project objectives include:
- Enhanced Bow Foils: Increase the efficiency and strength of a retractable hydrofoil through advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Demonstrator Testing: Validate the initial redesign by testing a demonstrator at University of Galway’s large structure’s laboratory.
- Volume Production: Streamline the manufacturing process to allow volume production at reduced costs.
- Full-Scale Testing: Fabricate and test a full-scale bow foil to verify the redesign and confirm finite element (FE) models.
- Commercialisation: Explore commercial opportunities and new markets for the FASTSHIP technology within Ireland and across Europe.
Project Partners
ÉireComposites will coordinate the FASTSHIP project, leveraging extensive expertise in advanced composites and marine engineering to lead development and manufacturing efforts. University of Galway, a leader in research and education, will handle the analysis and testing phases of the project, utilizing its state-of-the-art testing facilities.
Expected Impacts
FASTSHIP is set to have significant economic, environmental and technical implications, both in Ireland and globally. Sustainability is a key focus, aligning with the EU’s “Fit for 55” plan to reduce carbon emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. FASTSHIP aims to make the shipping industry greener by using lightweight composite materials to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, the project will support job creation in the sustainability sector, placing Ireland at the forefront of technological innovation for addressing climate change.
The maturation of the FASTSHIP technology will bring to market a unique solution for ship stabilisation and propulsion in medium-size ships. A container ship equipped with bow foils could save up to 12,600 gallons of fuel per day, reducing operational costs enormously. Furthermore, vessels with this device will benefit from smoother and faster travel in rough seas, allowing for more direct routes and additional fuel savings. In addition, cheaper shipping will stimulate international trade and bolster economies in developing countries.
In short, FASTSHIP is poised to propel the global maritime industry forward in sustainability and efficiency. The development of bow foils promises to lower fuel and environmental costs, enhance the shipping experience for passengers, and foster global trade, making a substantial contribution to a greener future for the maritime sector.
