New Division Ships First Production Nano-Composite Vessel
Columbus, Ohio and Seattle, Wash., – November 4, 2011 – Technologies announced today that it has launched a new division, The new division’s mission is to design and build the most advanced maritime platforms in the world. shipped its first production boat, a lightweight 54’ vessel, this month.
In early 2009, the world’s first commercialized carbon nanotube enhanced (CNTe) carbon fiber material, Arovex, enabled the design of a prototype vessel called the 540SE. Setting new standards for fuel efficiency and performance, the lightweight 540SE hull offered a 75% reduction in fuel consumption costs, translating to increased range and lower operating costs.
In 2010, manufactured its first prototype craft, the Piranha, taking it from the drawing board and into the water in under one year. Setting new standards in range, speed, sea keeping and payload, the Piranha is a generational leap beyond boats built out of traditional materials like fiberglass or aluminum.
“Any company can unveil an eye-catching concept or a photo render of a boat,” said Russell Belden, Vice President of Design at , “We built the Piranha and proved that our designs and technology deliver unmatched performance.”
is headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility near Seattle, WA. “Our production facility is closer to rocket science than traditional boat building,” said Byron Nutley, Vice President and General Manager of . “We are the only company building boats out of nanomaterials. designs and builds the most advanced maritime platforms in the world.”
Composite materials, such as nano-enhanced carbon fiber Arovex, continue to see greater adoption among boat operators as increased fuel efficiency and reduction in operating costs continue to be primary concerns in the industry. George Marsh, editor of materials magazine Reinforced Plastics, reported on in his article Prepregs Boost Marine Quality.
“Aircraft builders became convinced some time ago, but constructors of marine craft have followed suit, as customers for yachts and commercial craft seek top performance with structures that are exceptionally light, stiff, and strong.”
The estimated $2 million Piranha has already demonstrated a fuel consumption rate of 12 gallons per hour at a cruising speed of 24 knots. Compared to a traditional boat’s consumption of 50 gallons per hour, a 54’ craft from offers a 75% reduction in fuel consumption costs.
“We’ve proven our technology delivers results, and now we’ve proven we can successfully deliver those results into commercial scale production at ,” said Lance Criscuolo, President of . “The Piranha is not only tough and capable, it is super efficient. Better materials make awesome products.”