Pascal Technologies’ AirHull boosts energy efficiency in boats

Like other marine vessels, conventional workboats and ferries emit harmful gases and particles into the air, impacting the environment, climate and human health. Shipping as a whole accounts for roughly 2 per cent of global CO₂ emissions – about 1 billion metric tons per year.

In addition, the typically shorter range of today’s electric boats may impede the switch to zero-emission vessels.

To help solve this problem, Pascal Technologies has developed innovative air technology to reduce emissions from planning and high-speed vessels and extend their range, making them more desirable.

“Small planing vessels are prime candidates for electrification. At Pascal, we provide a technology platform that cuts energy consumption by nearly half – an innovation in boat design and a catalyst for driving the industry toward a cleaner future,” states Carl Rehn, CEO at Pascal.

Pascal Technologies delivers AirHull, a proprietary air-based hull technology that optimises performance in fast-going boats and ferries. This innovative technology utilises a fan system that pushes air beneath the vessel, significantly decreasing resistance and energy usage.

AirHull vessels feature a distinctive shape with a cavity underneath. As the vessel picks up speed, this air cavity fills with air, reducing the boat’s resistance by lifting the hull slightly out of the water. A control system automatically regulates the fan and the air pressure to optimise efficiency at all times.

“We design and deliver our technology to boat builders, collaborating closely with them throughout the entire process until final delivery,” states Rehn.

The technology is versatile, scalable and adaptable to various vessel sizes and energy carriers, including electric propulsion systems.

The technology can make boats up to 50 per cent more energy efficient, dramatically cutting fuel consumption and reducing their environmental impact with lower total emissions.

In addition, AirHull is fuel agnostic and can therefore be used with both electric and fossil-fuelled boats. For electric boats, the technology can double the range at high speeds compared to a conventional electric boat. The company has firsthand knowledge of this.

“Pascal is working on projects involving leisure boats, crew transfer vessels and workboats, with a strong focus on electric drivetrains. With our technology, we can double the range of electric vessels at cruising speeds,” explains Rehn.

The global electric boats market is expected to grow from USD 8.22 billion in 2025 to USD 22.31 billion by 2033. Electric boats are growing in popularity due to their environmental sustainability, quiet operation and economic benefits.

However, a major obstacle to this market growth is that e-boats have a limited range. Pascal Technologies helps to solve this challenge by significantly extending the range with its AirHull technology.

AirHull is suitable for all fast-going boats and ferries between 6 and 30 metres in length.

In 2024, Pascal, alongside with several other companies, signed a Letter of Intent to develop a fully electric high-speed harbour craft specifically designed for Singapore’s maritime landscape.

Pascal also offers an air-based control system for air lubrication systems (ALS) for large vessels, such as LNG, bulk, container and cruise ships.