We have already reported twice here on the innovation of the small company Hull Vane BV, based in Wageningen in the Netherlands. In May 2023, the Hvide Sande shipyard on the west coast of Denmark handed over the first offshore patrol vessel (OPV) to the Danish Fisheries Agency. It was delivered with azimuth propulsion nacelles and in combination with a guide plate from Hull Vane under the stern.
In February 2023, we already reported on the development and function of a Hull Vane, intended for a 108 metre long and 3,800 tonne "Holland" class offshore patrol vessel (OPV).
Sea trials
Now this largest underwater wing ever built, with a width of 11 metres, has been installed on the transom of the HNLMS "Groningen" and extensively tested by the Dutch Navy. The ship has sailed through the North Sea and the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the results are conclusive, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The Hull Vane works as expected and converts the energy of the stern wave and the ship's movements into propulsion. During sea trials, a fuel reduction of 16 % at 17.5 knots and 10 % over the entire sailing profile was determined. This corresponds to the savings of around 300,000 kg CO2 per year previously calculated in tests. The other advantages were also confirmed; the "Groningen" achieved a higher maximum speed and range with the same fuel consumption due to the lower wave resistance.
Test model of the GRONINGEN for testing in the towed canal. Photo: Hull Vane BV
Security gain
The crew of the HNLMS "Groningen" reported further advantages of the Hull Vane. The ship's wake is reduced, making it easier for the rescue boat to enter and leave via the slipway in the stern, as there is less turbulence in the water and the crew no longer has to "surf" the stern wave to get on board.
Approach begins: Mission boat on the way back to the "Groningen". Photo: Dutch MoD
Landing of an on-board helicopter at HNLMS GRONINGEN Photo: Dutch MoD
Helicopter landings on board are now also much safer for the same reason.
The manoeuvring characteristics have not changed significantly, apart from the fact that the ship heels less when making fast turns and the hull vane even dampens the pitching movements in rough seas. This results in less impact of the bow on the water surface, i.e. fewer vibrations in the ship and therefore also improved comfort for the crew on board.
Order requests
For the Chief Executive Officer at Hull Vane, this project is therefore becoming increasingly important. He hopes that foreign navies will also show interest as a result of the thorough investigation by the Dutch navy. After all, the parameters calculated and determined in model tests have been clearly demonstrated.
Test model in the towing channel. Photo: Hull Vane BV
In the Netherlands, the three other ships of the "Holland" class are potential candidates for a Hull Vane, as are the four air defence frigates of the "De-Zeven-Provinciën" class (144 metres).
Who invented it
The project is funded and managed by MIND (Military Innovation by Doing) and the COMMIT (Commando Material and IT) innovation centre. It is a practical example of the Dutch government also providing small and medium-sized companies, such as Hull Vane BV, with orders. These opportunities have not been available to the Dutch defence industry in the past.
Accomplices wanted
Not just a plausible idea from the Dutch, but a valuable engineering contribution on the road to climate neutrality.
Source: Hull Vane BV
English 
German
0 Kommentare