The Port of Rotterdam has launched an electric hydrofoil vessel
The Rotterdam Port Authority's all-electric hydrofoil patrol vessel was recently launched. The vessel is part of a pilot project to renew the division's fleet.
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The new hydrofoil patrol vessel Artemis EF-12 Workboat can be seen on the waters of the Nieuwe Maas River. The vessel is named RPA ZERO, which refers to its ability to operate with zero emissions. During acceleration, the hydrofoil hull rises above the water, reducing drag and wave action.
Over the next 12 years, the Rotterdam Port Authority's vessels will reach the end of their technical life. The Port of Rotterdam Port Authority will use this opportunity to renew the entire fleet, improve sustainability, standardise and simplify maintenance processes. This pilot project will assess the suitability of hydrofoils for the Authority's needs. A key requirement is that they must be ready to deploy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The pilot project will run until November 2025. Over the coming months, tests will be conducted to assess the applications, capabilities and risks of hydrofoils in the fleet. The Fleet Renewal and Sustainability Programme team, together with the crew, will assess propulsion behaviour, reliability, power and charging benefits and challenges, and the vessel's suitability for the tasks of the Harbour Master's department.
As part of the pilot project, the Rotterdam Port Authority is leasing the vessel from the manufacturing company, Artemis Technologies.
Source: Portofrotterdam
