GREFCO concept to drive home economic advantages of air-cushion technology Engineer team claims competitive tonne-kilometre cost relative to conventional craft, writes David Tinsley (Lloyds List) French aeronautical engineers have designed a new concept in high-speed vessels, which is both ground effect and the air cushion technique, claiming to offer competitive tonne-kilometre cost relative to conventional cargo carrier and ferry designs. The team proposing the “GREFCO” solution has been at work for 15 years. Its programme has included the building of several prototypes and the development of a powerful calculation and simulation tool. Groningen-based sales, marketing and design company Conoship International is acting as a contact point and intermediary for the Grefco interests. A commercial presentation can be found on the GREFCO website. |