Wavefoil AS, a Trondheim-based company that supplies bow foils for ships, said fuel consumption on board MF Teistin, the first ship with a retractable bow foil, decreased by 9% as a result of the installation
In September 2019, Faroe Islands-based state-run Strandfaraskip Landsins installed Wavefoil’s retractable bow foils on board its ferry MF Teistin.
A bow foil dampens the pitch motion as ships move through waves removing a considerable amount of resistance.
In addition, bow foils use wave energy to create forward thrust. However, if foils cannot be retracted in calm water, the disadvantages may outweigh benefits. Wavefoil is the first company to offer retractable foil modules.
Wavefoil chief executive Eirik Bøckmann said “Our foils are delivered as a complete foil module. We have developed four foil modules with different sizes to meet the needs of ships between 20 and 200 m. The foil modules can be installed on both existing ships and newbuilds.”
Wavefoil’s smallest foil module is designed for high-speed catamarans, with a foil module in each hull. The company has also installed foil modules in hybrid sightseeing vessel MS Bard, owned by Norwegian operator Brim Explorer.
MS Bard has an initial operating capacity of 10 hours when running on battery power in calm waters. But in the presence of waves, increased resistance can deplete the battery capacity quickly. The foils assist in reducing resistance to help the battery so the vessel will still be able to offer silent zero-emissions trips even with wave resistance.
A foil module has also been installed on Norwegian firm Loppa Legeskyss’ ambulance vessel which will operate in harsh conditions in northern Norway.
Both vessels will be delivered by Ålesund-based Maritime Partner.
Wavefoil, which was started in 2016, receives support and funding from NTNU Discovery – a programme run by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the Norwegian Research Council, Innovation Norway and Climate-KIC, as well as private capital.
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.