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TRIMIS

Transport: Advanced and Modular

Project

TrAM - Transport: Advanced and Modular


Funding origin:
European
European Union
STRIA Roadmaps:
Transport electrification (ELT)
Transport electrification
Vehicle design and manufacturing (VDM)
Vehicle design and manufacturing
Transport mode:
Waterborne
Waterborne
Transport sectors:
Passenger transport
Passenger transport
Freight transport
Freight transport
Project website:
Duration:
Start date: 01/09/2018,
End date: 28/02/2023

Status: Finished
Funding details:
Total cost:
€14 662 856
EU Contribution:
€11 741 431

Overview

Objectives:

The project will develop and validate a concept for modular design and production of vessels. We combine the advantages of scale and standardisation with customisation options, allowing small-series and one-off vessel construction, using interchangeable modules across vessel types. Even though parts of our work will have a wider relevance, we focus on inshore vessels (operating coastal areas and inland waterways) with electric power systems.

Methodology:

The project is divided in three phases: Specification, innovation, and replication.

In the specification phase, we perform a wide meta-analysis of both the user needs and existing technological solutions, coupled with case-studies of needs and technologies for four targeted use cases. In the innovation phase, we develop the modular design concept; combining theoretical approaches, cross-fertilisation of methods from other industries (mostly rail and automotive), deep maritime experience in the relevant areas (including hull design, propulsion and electric power systems) and heavy involvement by operators (including three as consortium partners).

The concept is applied to, and refined through, four demonstrators: Two ferries, a workboat and a vessel for goods traffic on inland waterways. At least one of the demonstrators will be physically built, co-financed by Rogaland County Council and its transport subsidiary Kolumbus, and used to operate a multi-stop commuter route into Stavanger. It will be a fully electric fast passenger ferry, operating in a region that is a substantial exporter of hydropower. In the replication phase, we will further validate the concept through five additional demonstrators (planning and simulation level) together with operators that did not participate in the details of the first two phases.

Our aim is that the modular concept will prove to work as a general purpose toolkit within our market segment, proving that a wide set of vessel types can built in a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly manner.

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