Project Update: Bursting the Bubble of Public Transport By Maile Bucher As technologies and a need for transportation develop, new methods of transport are being created — SeaBubbles is a S concept that is changing the idea of water transportation. EABUBBLES IS AN ECOfriendly transportation system designed to alleviate congested streets. Th e SeaBubbles are projected to be introduced to Paris to off er service on the Seine river in 2017. “Th e idea comes from my co-founder Alain Th ebault,” said Anders Bringdal co-founder and CEO of SeaBubbles, “with the Hydroptère sailing boat that he has developed for many years. Th is is the boat that is the start of the foiling generation in sailing. We used all the knowhow from this to add to the SeaBubbles.” Th e water taxi, which fl oats just above the water, feature an egg-shaped design and is battery operated. Each of the water taxis have the ability hold fi ve people, at the time being with one person as a driver, but the SeaBubble’s team is looking to make them driverless. “First of all, we like the look of the boat and this design came though. We believe it is super important that the look is right 16 | Mass Transit | MassTransitmag.com | DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 and liked for any product you come up with today,” explained Bringdal. “Part from that the design incorporates a big study on the center of gravity point (CG) as well as taking into account the total mass of the boat. Extra weight have a direct link with the distance you will get under battery power.” Alleviating Congested Streets SeaBubbles would provide a method of transport that wouldn’t be faced with issues like road traffi c. Th e design makes the SeaBubbles rise above the water, rather than fl oating on the water like a boat. “Th ey are on foils that cut the water and leave no waves. Th ey are silent and leave no pollution,” explained Bringdal. Th is means that depending on the size of the river that the SeaBubbles are traveling on, there could be multiple traveling at once while not disrupting each THE SEABUBBLES have the ability to be charged via solar panels as well as with the use of marine turbines while being docked. THE DESIGN makes the SeaBubbles rise above the water, cutting the water rather than replacing it like a boat would. SeaBubbles SeaBubbles
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