To save weight, Hull Vane and Holland Composites have designed and built the first carbon Hull Vane. As composite construction offers freedom of form, it is also the first ypsilon-shaped Hull Vane.
The Hull Vane is a patented fixed hydrowing that is placed below the stern of a ship. This so-called hydrofoil influences the stern wave pattern and creates hydrodynamic lift, which is partially oriented forward and reduces the ship’s resistance. This means the Hull Vane saves energy and improves seakeeping.
So far, Hull Vane has produced TT-shaped, U-shaped and X-shaped wings. The choice depends of hydrodynamic performance, location of struts and build cost/payback period. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to determine and design the right Hull Vane for a specific ship and its operational profile. The hydrowing is available in a static and dynamic version.
According to Hull Vane, the new carbon version is also the biggest carbon hydrofoil in the world, with a span of eight metres. It is built entirely of pre-preg carbon.
View the production process in a short clip below.
