Nimbus starts sea trials of electric concept boat

Sea tests have begun of the OceanAir8, a new concept boat based on an energy-efficient hull.

The OceanAir8 is the result of a collaboration between Nimbus Group’s Alukin brand and Norwegian companies Pascal Technologies and Evoy.

The hull is based on Pascal Technologies’ energy-efficient AirHull technology, and the propulsion takes place with the help of an electric outboard motor developed by Evoy.

The hull design of the Alukin OceanAir8 means that it requires approximately 50 per cent less energy for propulsion, according to its designers.

By using aluminium for the boat’s hull and superstructure the boat is 100 percent recyclable, which further reduces the boat’s environmental impact. Nimbus Group’s stated objective is that the company’s boats should have as little negative environmental impact as possible both during manufacture and in connection with use. The company says it has not locked itself into individual engine or hull technologies and is fully open to try different technologies to increase the boats’ environmental sustainability.

“Testing new hull concepts, as in this case, is typical of our pragmatic approach and our curiosity about new technologies. If we are to manage to live up to our high standards in the area of sustainability, we must be prepared to think and try new things whenever we have the opportunity,” says Jan-Erik Lindström, CEO of Nimbus Group.

Pascal Technologies’ hull concept is based on a combination of a traditional boat hull and the principles used by boats with very energy-efficient hull technologies, so-called surface effect ships.

By using a fan to push air under the boat, the proportion of the hull that is in contact with the water’s surface is reduced and thus the energy consumption. Tests of this type of hull have shown that the technology can reduce energy consumption by between 30 and 50 per cent, which increases the boat’s range by 50-100 per cent compared to using a traditional hull. A more easily driven hull can facilitate the conversion to electric powertrains.

Nimbus Group produces and markets powerboats, which includes the brands Alukin, Aquador, Bella, Falcon, Flipper, Nimbus and Paragon Yachts. Sales are made through dealer networks and the largest markets are the Nordic region, Europe and the USA.