Fischer Panda supplies generators and air-con for £25m Japanese hovercraft project

Leading supplier of onboard power and HVAC solutions, Fischer Panda UK, is working with Griffon Hoverwork on a project to supply three 12000TD craft to Japan with power generation and climate control solutions.

Fischer Panda UK’s range of generators and air conditioning systems from Dometic were selected for the project. A specialised approach was required for power generation using a vehicle type Panda 15 Mini PVMV-N 12kW/15kVA 120v 60Hz generator. A standard water-cooled marine generator was not suitable for this application – a hovercraft with no water intake – so the Panda 15 Mini generator was marinised to meet the demands of this system design.

Dometic is a long-standing partner of Fischer Panda UK and the onboard climate control of the 23.7m long craft included seven Dometic Brisk II Evolution 15k units installed on each craft. The HVAC system was designed to enhance the passenger experience of those on board the hovercraft, which replaces an old ferry service linking Oita airport to the city where temperatures can be hot and humid in the height of summer but reach lows of -7C in the winter months.

The rooftop-mounted reverse cycle units allowed Griffon to maximise on internal space and benefit from a simple installation process to provide both heating and cooling solutions for each of the craft.

Chris Fower, sales and marketing director at Fischer Panda UK says: “We are delighted to be working with British manufacturer, Griffon, again on supplying and installing an onboard system solution for this vital passenger service project for the people and visitors of Oita in Japan. It was important for Griffon to work with a trusted, knowledgeable and local partner who could offer the most efficient and reliable technology for this high-value project.

“This was a very specialist system design and involved working closely with Griffon to meet the needs of this unique craft along with expertise in system solutions from our partners such as Dometic.”

Griffon anticipates that all craft will be delivered by January 2024 and Mark Downer, Griffon’s engineering director says: “Griffon Hoverwork has used Dometic air conditioning units and Fischer Panda diesel generators on our hovercraft for many years and are pleased to maintain our relationship on the Oita 12000TD project.”