C2I 2022: Wild Card shortlist

The Clean Hybrid Alternative Marine Powertrain (CHAMP) project was formed to find a solution to reducing the environmental impact of the marine sector through transferring proven automotive technologies into marine applications.

It has delivered a methanol fuelled, electric hybrid Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) which can run in several modes: zero emissions electric; methanol fuelled internal combustion engine (a sustainable fuel often used in automotive race engines); hybrid performance mode using both power sources to give 740bhp; hybrid charging mode to allow for charging on the move; and anchor mode, to allow for self-charging while at anchor.

Innovations delivered through the cross-sector collaborative project include ‘HalfBoard’, a quick connection powertrain packaged in a hull shaped box and drawn from technology used in Formula 1 and Le Mans; a hybrid methanol flex fuel powertrain; a cutting edge control system and a digitally driven development programme using a motorsport approach to modelling and simulation.

Whilst similar programmes for delivering a new power train in marine would take at least three years, the team said, CHAMP was delivered in just 7 months, thanks to the collaborative cross-sector approach taken where each partner brought their unique expertise. The project has resulted in the creation of five jobs already and is expected to create 50 more jobs by 2025.