Новости/Аналитика

The hemp biocomposite production technology involves the manufacture of a ship's hull using vacuum infusion technologies, which prevents the release of harmful substances into the environment. The composition of the biocomposite material includes natural resins that improve the strength characteristics of a body made using hemp fiber. After the period of use of the eco-catamaran is over, it can be disposed of without negative impact on the environment.

The pages of the profile electronic publication of Ukrainian hemp breeders have already described the technologies for using hemp biocomposites in the automotive industry, and in the production of aviation and aerospace technology. The possibility of using the properties of hemp plants in shipbuilding was mentioned as a separate stroke , therefore the information that at least a river ship is being prepared in Europe, in which the widespread use of hemp-based bio-composite materials is planned, cannot pass out of our sight.

History

For centuries, hemp fibers have been used everywhere in shipbuilding, being a common material in the manufacture of ropes, sails, rigging, etc. In addition, hemp seeds were one of the main foodstuffs used by sailors during their travels, so the American Indians focus on the fact that one of the few positive aspects of the colonization of the continent was their acquaintance with hemp plant. Of course, one cannot fail to mention that in the first-aid kits of any sea vessel there were various kinds of preparations made on the basis of the therapeutic properties of hemp. 

With the advent of synthetic fabrics, aluminum, glass, as well as other materials, the products of which in their characteristics were no worse than those from hemp raw materials, hemp gradually began to disappear from the marine industry, which led to the fact that hemp is currently in the marine industry overwhelmingly recall in the historical aspect.

Modernity

Taking into account the environmental and economic obligations that the United Nations presents on the agenda of one of the sessions devoted to the field of sustainable development for the period up to 2030 related to the use of biodegradable materials, favorable conditions are created under which hemp can again take its rightful place in the marine industry. At a minimum, the owners of the “Marservis” shipyard are thinking about this, on which it is planned to build a ship made of hemp based bio-composite materials. 

Project Background

The initiative to create a river vessel from biocomposite materials made on the basis of the physical properties of hemp comes from the leadership of a small private company whose production facilities are located in the village of Katelir (Croatia), which has been providing electronics and ship engine repair services since 1995 and specializes in designing and boat building. Based on the realities of the modern maritime market, the company “Marservis” was looking for new technologies for the production of river and sea vessels that operate using renewable energy sources.

Details of creating a passenger eco-catamaran based on hemp biocomposite

The conducted marketing research demonstrates that the market is interested in a passenger boat, or rather an eco-catamaran about 16 meters long and 6 meters wide, which should accommodate just over 50 passengers and two crew members. The vessel will be driven by turbines using electric motors that receive energy from the solar panels that cover the roof of the boat.

The project of eco-catamaran from biocomposite materials based on hemp

The conducted studies suggest that the speed of a boat built using hemp biocomposites will reach 14 knots. Its operation will allow not annually emitting into the atmosphere more than 3.5 tons of carbon dioxide, 4 tons of nitrogen oxides and 150 kg of small particles polluting the environment. 

Specialists from the Zagreb Faculty of Engineering and Naval Architecture took part in creating the eco-catamaran project from bio-composite materials based on hemp. Including with the help of specialists from the above educational institution, and also thanks to the use of electric motors, the boat practically does not make noise at the bottom of the water, which allows it to enter protected waters, positioning a passenger boat in the segment of ecotourism, which can be used in nature parks and to travel along excursion routes of at least the Adriatic Sea.

The hemp biocomposite production technology involves the manufacture of a ship's hull using vacuum infusion technologies, which prevents the release of harmful substances into the environment. The composition of the biocomposite material includes natural resins that improve the strength characteristics of a body made using hemp fiber. After the period of use of the eco-catamaran is over, it can be disposed of without negative impact on the environment.

The owner of the shipyard expects to receive a grant provided as part of an open tender by the European Investment Fund to start the construction of an eco-catamaran. According to his estimates, the launch will take place in three years. According to the owner of the Marservis company, the recipe for biocomposite materials made on the basis of the physical properties of hemp found by him will be improved by him. His dream is the possibility of the widespread use of hemp biocomposites in marine shipbuilding.

Commentary by the Ukrainian Technical Hemp Association

Unfortunately, at the moment the technologies associated with the use of biocomposite materials made on the basis of hemp in our country are “in the germinal state”. As part of the Hemp University, a specialized round table was held on “Hemp raw materials - technologies for its use in construction, production of biocomposite materials and furniture”, which demonstrated the level of national developments related to the use of hemp raw materials for the production of hemp biocomposites.