TU Delft students designing foiling vessel for Monaco challenge

Steven Forsberg, Managing Director at Marinetrans, welcomed the initiative, which is aligned with Marinetrans’ own efforts to reduce its carbon emissions footprint, including a CO2 Offset Programme.

Forsberg added: “Since we formulated our ‘Going Green’ mission, we actively seek to align ourselves with sustainable technologies, projects and suppliers. Innovative propulsion systems and other emission-reducing maritime systems, software or equipment are of key interest to that mission. This project, the technical developments behind it and the vessel itself provide all of that. A great example of what is possible today, especially with real teamwork.”

The TU Delft Hydro Motion Team was founded to show the maritime industry a number opportunities to tackle industry-related climate challenges. To this end, a new team of 20+ students is formed every year aiming to push the boundaries of sustainable technology. This year, the team consists of 23 multidisciplinary students who explore innovative developments in collaboration with industry experts, partners and alumni. Over the course of 17 years the teams built a number of solar-powered vessels (top speed of 55 km/h / 29.7 knots!), switching to hydrogen propulsion in 2021 and, among other results, delivering the first foiling hydrogen-powered boat in the world!

The ‘Aurora’ is built from scratch and will become a monohull, carbon fibre, zero-emission vessel. The foiling system has been re-designed and to that end as much weight as possible is being saved, which is important for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge where the student-led team will compete against professional sailors on manoeuvrability, speed and endurance.