Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a worldwide chief in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), is proud to announce development of a groundbreaking milestone in maritime transport innovation with the first-ever Bureau Veritas classification of a Wing-in-Floor (WIG) impact craft. BV issued an Approval in Precept (AiP) for the Sort A WIG craft for the AirFish developed by ST Engineering AirX (AirX), a three way partnership between ST Engineering and Peluca, in September 2024. Since then, AirX has commenced the execution of the accredited qualification plan primarily based on the necessities set forth within the AiP and began fabrication of the AirFish to begin registration of AirFish within the respective jurisdiction later a part of the 12 months for industrial operations.
(Left) Alex Gregg-Smith, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific (APA), Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, with Kevin Chow, EVP and Head of Aerostructures and Techniques, Industrial Aerospace, ST Engineering.
The AirFish is a cutting-edge WIG craft that’s designed to function simply above the water’s floor, combining the most superior components of maritime and aviation engineering to redefine what’s potential in high-speed coastal and regional transport. It makes use of aerodynamic floor impact to attain speeds of as much as 100 knots (185 km/h) whereas gliding simply above the water’s floor, providing a extremely environment friendly and secure mode of transport. With seating for as much as ten personnel together with crew, or capability for 1,000kg of cargo, the AirFish is a perfect resolution for industrial operators, authorities businesses, and tourism suppliers in search of to bridge the hole between conventional sea and air transport.
Crafted with versatility in thoughts, the AirFish’s distinctive design permits it to take off and land on water with minimal infrastructure. This functionality supplies a versatile resolution for areas the place ports or runways are restricted, creating the opportunity of connecting distant coastal communities, serving as a dependable different to traditional ferries, and facilitating specialised maritime purposes together with quick response in an emergency scenario or transportation to offshore platforms.
As a number one classification society, BV supplied impartial experience with reference to the design assessment of the AirFish WIG craft from a regulatory and classification perspective, in addition to expertise qualification assessments primarily based on BV’s NI525, while additionally offering detailed threat and security assessments. The groups by means of this course of finishing a number of workshops over 6 months converged and outlined the roadmap for classification of the AirFish. This joint effort underscores each organizations’ dedication to advancing trade requirements and delivering high-performance options that redefine what is feasible in maritime transport.
Jeffrey Lam, President Industrial Aerospace at ST Engineering, stated: “The classification of the AirFish is a milestone occasion for each ST Engineering AirX and Bureau Veritas. Our collaboration not solely validates the engineering excellence behind the AirFish but additionally units a priority for future WIG craft to enter the worldwide market with confidence and regulatory help. We’re thrilled to supply the world a paradigm-shifting product that may redefine maritime journey for generations to come back.”
