Page 22: of Marine Technology Magazine (November 2022)

IFREMAR search institute. His work focuses on designing mechanical in whale tail ? ns. Blue? ns seeks to design a zero fuel auxil- and hydraulic systems meant for oceanographic exploration. iary propulsion system that converts energy from waves. In its

IFREMER – l’Institut Francais de Recherché Pour construct, the Blue? n will consist of a hydrofoil attached to l’Exploitation de La Mer – or “French Research Institute for Ex- a ship’s stern through a set of mechanical articulations. “Just ploitation of the Sea” is France’s premier ocean science research like a whale’s tail ? n propels the animal forward,” Guisti said, institute, established in 1984, a merger of existing marine ? sher- “our hydrofoil converts the pitching motion of the ship into ies and oceanography agencies. Its programs are international in forward propulsion.” He further referred to the invention as a scope. IFREMER manages the French Oceanographic Fleet. Its “caudal ? n.” budget is 240M€ annually and it operates under the joint author- In addition to fuel savings – and CO2 reduction – the ex- ity of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and ternal device will reduce vessel pitch. Container ships, LNG

Innovation, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary carriers, tankers and bulk carriers are expected future markets.

Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Its Controls will allow maximum gains in varying wave and wind vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation in three conditions. Importantly, the ? n can be raised out of the water broad areas: and set securely when sea conditions are not favorable, and • Protect and restore the ocean; the lifted position allows mooring con? gurations and emer- • Sustainably use marine resources to bene? t society; and, gency towing.

• Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge. Guisti cites advantages vis-à-vis other alternate propulsion

During a meeting at the Blue? ns’ lab and development site, ideas. External mounting means Blue? ns can be retro? tted;

Guisti explained that the germ of the Blue? ns idea, and its it’s not a device just for new vessels. External placement does working concept, are based on propulsion dynamics observed not impinge on cargo space, such as alt-fuels like LNG or

Olivier Dugornay/IFREMAR 22 November/December 2022

MTR #8 (18-33).indd 22 11/28/2022 3:08:38 PM