Order for new ASV vessel demonstrator

	An artist’s impression of the 24 metres ASV design. A demonstrator will be ordered shortly.

SES Europe AS in Sandefjord, Norway is now ready to market its innovative Air Supported Vessels (ASV) technology after several years of research and development and significant investments in fast vessel technology. This technology is the property of Effect Ships International AS (ESI). SES now intends to build the first full-scale demonstrator vessel, the real test of the design. This vessel (see illustration below) is a 25 metres long and 7.4 metres wide catamaran powered by Water Jet propulsion delivered by Rolls-Royce Kamewa and built in all-aluminium and extruded aluminium profiles.
    ESI and the Norwegian Research Council provide funding. The pictured vessel is designed as a small fast ferry, with 80–100 pax capacity and speeds of up to 50 knots. According to Ulf Tudem, the SES Europe/Effect Ships International general manager, the research results are very encouraging for the applied technology. Tests were carried out at renown testing institutions like SSPA Sweden. Through the 5th Framework, the R&D program EDDISES, EU has been supporting this important work to develop the next generation of fast vessels and ships.

A smoother ride
One general feature distinguishing the ESI-ASV from conventional Surface Effect Ships (SES) or Hovercrafts is the elimination of flexible rubber skirts or bags. In the new technology the enclosing arrangements are integrated, rigid parts of the hull, eliminating cost and time-consuming replacement of enclosing arrangements. ESI-ASV has also got rid of the cobblestone ride effect such as the one experienced by the Norwegian MTBs of the Skiold type.
    Additionally the new technology provides more flexibility to position the centre of upward forces in relation to the centre of gravity. All of this is vitally important, and it becomes increasingly important the faster you go. And speeds of 60–70 knots are envisaged on the 40-metre design version using ESI-ASV technology. Tudem says it is important to have focus on operational behaviour because an acceptable level of comfort is vital for all onboard.

ESI-ASV advantages
Tudem lists a number of advantages of the ESI-ASV technology over competing air assisted solutions; robustness and relative low complexity in hulls and onboard systems, competitive medium and high-speed efficiency, designed for various propulsion systems, passenger comfort, low speed loss in a sea state and low risk of aircushion collapse and finally very production friendly. A long list of potential clients will be invited onboard the demonstrator for sea trails. This will certainly be a milestone for SES Europe to have the real thing built after over one thousand tank tests.
    A number of different designs around this technology are now available. Our other illustration gives an artist’s impression two ASV design landing craft, which has caught the interest of the Royal Navy. These vessels have loaded speeds of 40 knots and light ship speeds of 50 knots, and they could have a variety of uses. Major advantages with the new technology are the very low draft, great manoeuvrability and ability to free itself from the beach.

//Petter Arent