Nautican to Ship First IPU from Prince Edward Island
The Nautican Research and Development manufacturing facility in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, said it is now ready to ship the facility's first Integrated Propulsion Unit (IPU) to a client in Alaska. “Nautican is another excellent example of an emerging advanced marine technology company finding success right here on Prince Edward Island,” said PEI Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Heath MacDonald, who was on site with Nautican representatives to review the Ocean Series Class 200 IPU system prior to shipment.
MN100: Nautican
Nautican engineers and manufactures hydrodynamic solutions that increase power and maneuverability, while significantly reducing fuel use and maintenance needs. Nautican offers Integrated Propulsion Units, High Efficiency Nozzles and Propellers, high aspect ratio Triple Rudders, Pre-Swirl Stators, and also Hydralift Skegs for barges. Founded in 1972, and for more than 40 years, Nautican units have shown proven performance gains on a variety of vessels, including tugs, ATBs, barges, and other vessels. Nautican holds nine patents for their innovative designs.
ATB Design Comes of Age
The emerging trend of marrying the design of an articulated tug and barge (ATB) to a particular propulsion system to maximize efficiencies of that system has, of late, been taking hold in workboat markets. For example, one recent project involving a dynamic partnership between Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc, Guarino & Cox, LLC (GCL) naval architects, Nautican Research & Development Ltd., integrated propulsion unit manufacturers, and VT Halter Marine shipbuilders, aptly demonstrates the concept in practice. What the collaboration produced, is even more important.
Obituary: Josip Gruzling, Nozzle Expert, 1943-2007
Josip Gruzling, P.Eng., President of NautiCAN R&D Ltd., passed away Monday, September 10. Josip was a pioneer in the use of hydrofoils to increase the efficiency of tugs and barges. He used his inventiveness and determination to develop two types of devices: the High Efficiency Nozzles and Hydralift Skegs for barges, receiving nine patents for his efforts. Over 100 High Efficiency Nozzles have been built and over 40 Hydralift skegs have been installed worldwide. Josip got his start in 1968 working for Robert Allan Ltd., going on to found NautiCAN in 1972 to develop his ideas. Hydralift Skegs provide directional stability to barges with much less resistance than standard skegs, typically between a 35 to 50% improvement.
