By Jacques Le Meur, Le Marin Dossier Spécial Cahier au numéro 3329.

Sailor and engineer, Damien Grimont manages the Blue Ring engineering firm based in Nantes. This “blue ring” is a concept that aims to offer an alternative to the current overcrowding of marinas. The solution comes in the form of a vertical cylindrical silo, which at sea level, could host boats afloat, and, below and on several levels, accommodate boats or land vehicles. The general principle could be modulated according to local needs.

“We chose the circular shape because it is the cheapest” says Damien Grimont. It is also more stable and needs only light scrap iron and merely 80cm of concrete. This shape enables to create self-cleaning surface flows, which would reduce siltation. “The ports have been funded in 20 or 30 years and often operating in a proper manner, managers have no incentive to do better. Our concept is the port of the future. It is a characteristic that can enhance its appeal and lend themselves to animation, “adds the manager.

Blue Ring has been retained in the program of research and development Mareva which aims to create a 3D model to refine the draft port facilities. “We are conducting a feasibility study for the Port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, in the Alpes Maritimes. We’re also interested in one of La Trinité-sur-Mer, which lack of space. The idea would be to create a silo of 75 meters in diameter on the party the most silted which is nowadays undervalued. ”

Further studies are underway to Martinique, Reunion and the ports of southern France.

Matylda Czarnecka
www.techcrunch.com

Hybrid cars have been around for a while, but one German grad student is taking the concept to the water. A new hybrid propulsion motorboat designed by Stefanie Behringer, would reduce drag thanks to its three-hull, or trimaran, form.
A jet ski attaches to either side of the main hull, helping stabilize the boat. While the jet skis are electric-powered, the 49-foot long watercraft is also powered by two diesel engines that use Audi’s turbo-charged injection technology. Audi’s Concept Design team in Munich worked with Behringer on the project.

The motoryacht is designed to reach speeds of close to 30 knots. The boat can be operated using only the 100-horsepower jet skis for a mellow, emission-free cruise around the bay. At faster speeds, the diesel engines recharge the jet skis’ batteries.

Twelve people can fit on the deck, with room for a few more below. The main deck is designed to feel like a lounge, and a glass roof shields passengers from wind and sun exposure.
This is a neat concept, but it might be a while before this boat is spotted in the harbor. Audi has not announced plans to move the motoryacht yacht beyond the concept phase.

Photos by AUDI