What began as an idea for a Zero Emissions boat led to detailed research of new and old technologies and their advantages and limitations. Sketches led to thinking through practicalities. From mono hulls to catamarans and trimarans and back again, the aim was clear - a super efficient, lightweight, low wash boat using for use on rivers and lakes that could deliver revolutionary performance with zero emissions, the RG 55
RG One will be able to operate as a plug-in vessel that can operate for up to 8 hours at 6 knots. With a top speed of 15 knots RG 55 will easily handle river work dealing easily and safely with tides and river flows.
RG 55 will prove that boats with electric drive and the latest battery technology will not only save in fuel costs and emissions but also provide the advantages for passengers and owners of silent and fume free travel..
RG One began as a blue sky look at how technologies could be used in the marine sphere for Zero emission boats and ships. The design of RG55 then flowed from how those technologies can used with maximum efficiency. The hulls are designed to be super efficient and performance is increased by using carbon fibre to keep the weight of RG 55 to a minimum.
The aim is simple. Take us from fossil to zero in one step. RG 55 can plug-in, but for much of the year it should generate most or all of its own power for propulsion. RG 55 uses twin electric drives for power and uses no fossil fuel on board saving fuel and eliminating emissions at point of use.
Power sources include the use of standard solar panels in a array that will boost output by up to 35% and for a longer season than conventional arrangements.
When moored in flowing water RG 55 will generate power all year round.
All the power inputs will be efficiently designed and managed so that RG 55 charges from multiple power sources at any one time. RG 55 will also allow operating performance of different battery types to be compared directly in use.
The River Gecko RG 55 is being developed with designers John and Orion Shuttleworth of Shuttleworth Design.
Shuttleworth Design is a multi-award winning design consultancy that has been working with an international client base at the forefront of yacht design, engineering and naval architecture for more than 35 years. Their previous work includes the super yacht Adastra (pictured) and the forthcoming Project Mars autonomous research ship.
RG 55 is a high performance carbon fibre prototype. It will carry up to 12 passengers on efficient catamaran hulls and serve as a testbed for future more affordable models.
Offering fast luxury cruising on rivers and lakes it will offer a new level of passenger experience along with zero emissions.
Air quality problems are caused by transport in many cities around the world and new regulations are being passed to tackle air pollution from ships at sea and inland. There is a major need to reduce marine emissions which have been made worse by the use of very high sulpher bunker fuel. From the smallest leisure craft to the largest container vessels the race is on to transition from fossil to new zero or low emission technology.
The existing RG 55 design will be offered as a luxury 55 foot cruiser for commercial operation and high net worth early adopters. It can also be reconfigured for carrying up to 25 passengers in future versions. However, different regulatory requirements and approvals will need to be met.
RG 55, subject to regulatory approval, will also be suitable to test semi autonomous running (holding position near shore in moving water, automated detaching from compatible moorings and docking with no crew on board).
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River Gecko is seeking grant funding and academic and commercial partners to develop and test its technology.
Once funded and launched RG 55 will be used for research and for luxury passenger and river taxi services and corporate hire. RG 55 will offer a range of benefits to corporate sponsors and supporting crowd funders.
It will provide a highly visible example of the UK's commitment to a low carbon future in the centre of LONDON.