HYSUCAT technology: progress, history and dissemination by Bering Marine.
HYSUCAT (Hydrofoil Supported Catamaran) technology was developed to dramatically improve the performance, stability and efficiency of watercraft while minimizing their environmental impact. This innovative technology has its roots in the late 20th century and has made significant progress since then.
The origins of HYSUCAT: a pioneering collaboration
The HYSUCAT concept was developed in the early 1990s by German naval architect Professor Karl-Gunter Hoppe and South African scientist Dr. Malan Conradie. Their partnership began at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where they combined their expertise in hydrodynamics and naval architecture to create this groundbreaking technology.
Early prototypes: Potential demonstrated
In the mid-1990s, the first HYSUCAT prototypes were built and tested, successfully demonstrating the benefits of the technology. These experimental vessels showed reduced drag, increased speed and improved fuel efficiency compared to conventional catamarans and hydrofoils, which attracted the attention of the marine industry.
Commercialization and wide distribution
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, HYSUCAT technology was further refined and commercialized. Various sectors of the marine industry, such as passenger ferries, search and rescue boats, military vessels and recreational craft, began to adopt the HYSUCAT design. This has enabled these vessels to achieve higher speeds, lower fuel consumption and increased stability in various sea state conditions.
Continuous innovation and further development
Over the years, HYSUCAT technology has made continuous progress by integrating new materials, construction methods and drive systems into its design. This integration has led to even greater improvements in performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility.
Acquisition by Bering Group and Bering Marine
Several years ago, Bering Group acquired the HYSUCAT technology and kept its original name. The company then updated and redesigned the original vessels. In 2023, the company repositioned itself as Bering Marine, and also introduced an aluminum line and new layout variations of the original models. There are currently over 60 Bering Marine vessels in service worldwide.