High Efficiency Work Vessel (HEWV)

A 10-metre technology demonstrator boat will test new diesel outboard engines and a lightweight hull designed to cut fuel use by 25% and material weight by 10% compared to equivalent gasoline-powered craft. This matters because the UK’s workboat fleet—used for survey, patrol, ferry, tourism, and fishing—relies heavily on gasoline outboards or older inboard diesel engines. Both options burn more fuel and carry more weight than necessary, raising operating costs and carbon emissions. The project addresses a gap: no existing vessel in the 6-to-11-metre range combines high-power diesel outboards with a hull optimised for low drag and low weight. If successful, the 10-metre demonstrator will reach technology readiness level 6—meaning it is validated in a relevant environment. The project also extends the same design principles to 15-metre and 20-metre vessels, where computational fluid dynamics modelling predicts 35% fuel savings and up to 50% material weight and cost savings compared to current inboard diesel workboats. For operators, that could mean lower fuel bills, longer range, and reduced environmental impact. For the UK marine manufacturing sector, it offers a route to more competitive, exportable workboat designs.