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HamiltonJet unveiled to a packed crowd at Seawork their groundbreakingly, high-efficiency waterjet, the LTX36.
Described as a ‘game changer’ the model has been meticulously engineered to excel at medium to low-speeds and boasts remarkable low-speed efficiency, lightweight design and optimal performance.
Ben Reed managing director of HamiltonJets explained how their innovative launch is challenging the ‘norm’, “Waterjets have developed into a high-speed propulsion choice but there's always been this perception they're only efficient when fast. They’re also great in lots of other ways including low speed manoeuvring.
“At HamiltonJets we’ve re optimised the waterjet so it is super-efficient at medium and low speed (0-30 knots) for long distances.”
HamiltonJet drew their inspiration from mother nature, with Reed asking the assembled crowd during the unveiling which animal expands less energy than any other swimming animal. One person answered correctly – a jellyfish! The moon jellyfish has a large diameter ‘nozzle’, a lightweight body, and a pump design that has evolved over millions of years of natural selection.
A marvel of efficiency, the LTX waterjet replicates the humble jellyfish with a large nozzle, lower input energy, lower jet velocity, all within a lightweight structure. The LTX36 is the first waterjet to rival the performance, energy efficiency and bollard pull of the very best propeller systems, at lower speeds.
The launch of the new waterjet is the first in a new line-up in a LTX series currently being designed by HamiltonJets. Reed continues, “This waterjet is designed for slower optimised speeds of below 30 knots and takes about 310 kilowatts of input power.
“We're already working on the next model, the LTX 53 which would take more than twice that amount of power and would be ideal for use in a number of setting including within the wind farm industry.”
The climate is changing and so are priorities, with operators keen to reduce their impact on the environment and lower their energy costs, while also maximising efficiency. Whether operators are seeking to optimise their entire enterprise or gain incremental benefits in manoeuvring, loitering, and transit, the efficiency of propulsion is key.
The market leader in waterjets and vessel controls has already fitted 60,000 waterjets into vessels around the globe and was excited to reveal their latest innovation to the industry.
Choosing to unveil the news at Seawork, Reed continues, “Seawork is one of the most prestigious shows on the global circuit. We're a New Zealand Company and we work all over the world with a big distributor network, so Seawork was the natural choice. It's got a great atmosphere and is a very sociable show.
“It's essential to meet people we partner with and to understand their requirements. Living in New Zealand it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to be here and in front of so many of the right people for a period of time. It's a great show.”
Exhibitor; Hamilton Jet
