San Francisco based Valo, provider of hydrofoil systems, has announced a strategic partnership with Blue Orca Marine, manufacturer of zero-emission, sustainable marine solutions.
Under the partnership, Valo will provide Blue Orca with high-powered industrial hydrofoilling systems tailored to the ORCA vessel, a 36m commercial workboat powered by hydrogen technology.
“Our partnership with Valo will drive us closer to our vision of a sustainable and decarbonised maritime industry,” said Rich Robillard, CEO of Blue Orca Marine. “Hydrofoils are integral to ORCA, making our long-term collaboration with Valo crucial.”
Valo will contribute hydrofoil design expertise and proprietary foil stabilisation software for the anticipated construction of 50 ORCA vessels by Blue Orca over the next decade.
The ORCA has a range of 1,000 NM, cruising speeds of 40 knots, a 375sqm work deck, and a 300-ton payload.
The craft is designed as the ‘pick-up’ truck chassis for mid-size marine workboats.
Ed Kearney, CEO of Valo, added: “We are excited to join forces with Blue Orca Marine to advance our hydrofoil technology in sustainable commercial marine workboats and transportation.
“Together, we aspire to redefine the possibilities of zero-emission hydrofoilling commercial vessels.”
Valo, formally known as Boundary Layer Technologies, specialises in building hydrofoil vessels and hydrofoil systems for recreational and industrial vessel OEMs.
