Marine-i, an EU funded program created to advance marine innovation in Cornwall, has made a grant award to the Falmouth-based company, Kiote. This company has created a new concept in sail technology that can propel an autonomous vessel.
Kiote created a sail system that can propel an autonomous vessel while also providing stability in rough seas. The system could be automatically controlled and offer zero-fuel, long-range, high-speed propulsion.
This system aims to address the fact that many unmanned, autonomous vessels are conducting a wide range of tasks at sea, such as surveying and exploration. However, these vessels have to stay at sea for very long periods of time, which places huge demands on their power systems.
Kiote will now carry out computer modelling of the concept to prove its potential, before developing a working prototype.
Marine-i Project Leader, Professor Lars Johanning, said that this project has the potential to present a new marine propulsion in Cornwall, as well as provide work for local marine businesses and suppliers.
