Fittings for luxury caramarans for passenger transport

Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels (AV2) is a boat manufacturer designing catamarans for “high speed“ passenger transport. Based in La Rochelle, France, the team developed a new generation of transport vessels that use aerodynamics for improved energy efficiency, safely lifting the vessel’s weight from the water to the air. The propulsion power required depends primarily on the weight carried by the water. Therefore, reducing this weight is the key to greater efficiency. The La Rochelle site’s combination of office and shipyard allows the engineers and designers to work side by side and optimise the ships’ details. EMKA has also been up close and personal with this process for four years.

Closure technology for vibration-proof ­application

In search of the engine compartment and entrance doors’ locking systems, AV2 contacted EMKA, an expert in locking systems, in 2017 with an order for prototypes. The sales representative in charge, Jean Louis Vellot, looked at the design directly on-site and suggested various solutions from the range. Since then, EMKA has supplied three projects of the boat manufacturer with stainless steel quarter turns, compression latches, escutcheons and keys, and ramps. In addition, the vibration-proof products control access to the engine and maintenance compartments.

“The cooperation with EMKA has been characterised by close communication from the very beginning,” says Jérôme Lafond. “Mr Vellot spent much time with our development department to understand our specific needs. For example, he was involved even before completing our first catamaran, when we were still working with hand-drawn plans. Likewise, EMKA has been with us through the entire process from design to finished product, through a proven track record of delivery and responsiveness.”