SINTEF
Product:
SINTEF leads a collaborative project on sustainable electric maritime transport in North Africa. The project is an effort to help reach targets for UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7): “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”. Lac de Tunis is a natural lagoon located between the capital city of Tunis and the Mediterranean Sea. Waters are shallow and sheltered, and the catamaran configuration lends itself well. To solve public transport, we proposed the Icon, a solar fueled ferry, and the Photon, a smaller taxi boat.
PROJECT METRICS
Client: SINTEF
Research Director: Nina Dahl
Year: 2023
Site: Lac de Tunis, Tunisia
SOLAR ICON
Passengers: 30
LOA: 12 meters
Beam: 5 meters
Propulsion: Battery electric, photovoltaic
SOLAR PHOTON
Passengers: 8
LOA: 6 meters
Beam: 2.7 meters
Propulsion: Battery electric, photovoltaic
The Icon and Photon should truly be objects of public appeal. But also demonstrate the technology converting sun rays into propulsion. Covering your everyday needs for transport, without fumes and noise. The Icon is based on a General Arrangement drawing and project brief provided by SINTEF. Creating an “iconic” public transport service is an unusual task. Only measurable by the test of time and degree of social impact.
The Photon came in response to an expressed need for individual transport and last mile deliveries. These taxi boats are more agile crafts, complementing the ferries. This vessel may dock at a variety of locations and situations, less dependent on infrastructure. Passengers can enter and exit using the deployable platform at the stern. This also allows for safe access for seniors and handicapped passengers. For quick entry and exit, steps on both hull sides can be used when the boat is docked longside.
