Proteus undergoes sea changes
An ocean-crossing vessel that can adapt its movements to the surface of the sea has undergone sea trials in San Francisco.
Marine Advanced Research's Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V), also known as the Proteus adjusts to the surface of the sea rather than forcing the water to conform to its hull. As a result, it has very low fuel consumption and creates minimal wake, even at high speed, making it more environmentally friendly.
Like a car, it uses springs, shock absorbers and ball joints to minimise stresses to the structure, payload and crew. Two engine pods containing the propulsion and ancillary systems are fastened to the hulls with special hinges that keep the propellers in the water at all times.