Precer hybrid-boat design crowned with success

The hull is soon ready and the first engine tests have been concluded with good results. There is no doubt the unique co-operation between Norwegian Storsjöbåt and Inova Incubator company Precer is a hit. Together they build the world’s first hybrid boat powered by solid fuels.

- The design co-operation has proceeded very well, and we work in a way that lets us both focus on what we do best,” says Martin Larsson, Precer’s founder.

In the spring of 2009, the co-operation between Precer and Norwegian boat manufacturer Storsjöbåt was made public.  What aroused attention was that the companies are to design and build the world’s first boat powered by solid biofuels. In other words: A modern boat powered by environmentally friendly fuels, for example, pellets.

Now six months have passed since the co-operation started, and production is going on at full pace. Storsjöbåt manufactures the very boat and Precer delivers the solid-fuels-driven technology that is to power the boat in an environmentally friendly way. The boat body is being produced in Kristinehamn, where the hull is soon completed; then the work to finish the remaining parts will follow.

- It’ll be 23-foot gig (see picture below) whose operating costs will be less than half of what you’d spend on a similar petrol- or diesel-powered boat,” Martin Larsson explains.

In order for Precer to implement its technology in the boat, adaptation and development of the unique technology is required. Therefore, careful tests have been made throughout the past six months.

- When we tested the engine part in a test bench, it turned out the technology worked very well surprisingly early in the project, Martin continues.

The first boat is expected for customer delivery in 2010, but until then Precer will continue to work hard with testing and prototyping.

And the successful co-operation has whetted the partners’ appetite. Storsjöbåt recently informed about their intention to expand its line of hybrid boats in the future by building a larger house boat for permanent residents. They want to use Precer’s hybrid technology here too, which Martin sees as a great opportunity.

- Getting the chance to implement our technology in a house boat from Storsjöbåt as well is marvellous, and it means splendid opportunities for the future, he smiles.

What the design of hybrid boats means to Precer is obvious.

- The marine market is in huge need of products powered by environmentally friendly fuels. That means we’re entering into a mature market with a great potential, Martin concludes.