EkoMini - Bio-based composites for boat builders
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swerea SICOMP AB - Swerea SICOMP, Piteå |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 225 000 |
| Project duration | September 2015 - February 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Bioinnovation |
Purpose and goal
The objective of EkoMini is to help to change the entire boat production chain from fossil- to bio-based material and by doing this to contribute to the vision of BioInnovation: a switch to a bio-based economy in Sweden by 2050. To achieve this objective EkoMini will have to prove the driving idea that a boat can be built with a full bio-based composites structure and still be economically competitive. The driving idea was proven correct.
Results and expected effects
Overall the bio-based structure has shown its economic potential. The next step is now to develop further the results obtained from this study, to finalize the boat design and to produce a boat prototype in order to show the potential of bio-based material in real life. In the next step a life cycle analysis will have to be carried out in order to evaluate precisely the environmental impact (such as reduction of C02 emissions) of bio-based materials on the production of boats. The collaboration started with bio-based material suppliers during the project will continue in the next step.
Approach and implementation
The feasibility study started with a review by Swerea Sicomp AB of available bio-based materials and scantling rules. In parallel the preliminary design of the boat was developed by Södergren Group AB. Bio-materials, as well as the most suitable scantling rule have been selected. Then when the design was ready Swerea Sicomp AB developed different structures types. The study finished with a weight and cost comparison of the best 3 structures. All results are gathered with conclusion on the potential of the bio-based boat´s structure in a final confidential report.