Flaggskär – From Wake Challenges to 16 % Fuel Savings

A journey from trim tabs to a Zipwake system.

Flaggskär, a passenger ferry operating between Karlskrona and the island of Sturkö in the south of Sweden, was recently upgraded from traditional trim tabs to Zipwake interceptors.

Measuring 18 meters in length, 5.2 meters in width, and with a weight of 18 tons, Flaggskär used to face challenges of creating a large wake, sluggish speed, and excessive fuel consumption.

The integration of Zipwake interceptors has significantly improved the ferry’s performance, resulting in a reduced wake and a more efficient ride with more speed and better fuel economy. The fuel savings total 1000 liters per month (a 16% decrease), resulting in notable cost savings for the ferry operator while also reducing its environmental footprint.

Previous to Zipwake, the large wake generated by the vessel not only affected boats and residents on the islands it passed by, but also limited its ability to maintain higher cruising speeds. Additionally, the outdated trim tabs failed to optimize the vessel’s performance, resulting in high fuel consumption.

To overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of the Flaggskär ferry, a comprehensive set of Zipwake interceptors was carefully selected for installation. This included 2 x IT600 E interceptors, 2 x IT400 E interceptors, and 2 x IT600 E Tunnel interceptors. By strategically combining these interceptors, the vessel’s trim and stabilization were optimized, providing a smoother ride , more comfort and improved maneuverability.

The resulting reduction in wake has greatly enhanced passenger comfort, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable journey, and the optimized performance has enabled the ferry to achieve higher cruising speeds while maintaining stability and maneuverability.
This optimization of travel time and enhanced passenger satisfaction has had a positive impact on the ferry’s reputation and customer experience.