Hyke Shuttle 0001
As cities grow, old industrial ports and derelict waterfront properties are being transformed into modern neighborhoods. However, public transportation struggles to keep up, facing increasing congestion and limited land availability.
Most of the world’s cities are located by rivers and coastlines. From the Seine in Paris to the Nile in Cairo, waterways have served as a vital medium for the transportation of goods, people, and livestock. Ferries are popular in many cities, but they are noisy, polluting and lack standardization and industrialization. Today, as cities grapple with increasing congestion and limited land availability, we believe it is critical to shift more transport back to the water. Doing so will free up space on land and make waterfront locations more accessible to all.
Concepts
It’s time to say goodbye to noisy and polluting vessels on our waterways with ferries that are emission-free and energy-efficient. The Hyke shuttles feature an all-electric drivetrain and a highly efficient hull and thermal system. The vessels are powered sustainably and intelligently by automatic wireless charging while docked.
The electric vessels connect to an intelligent docking system with auto-centering and auto-mooring technology, which creates a safe, stable connection even with wind and waves. As soon as the ferry is safely docked, it automatically starts charging wirelessly. This increases running time without requiring larger batteries, reducing weight and cost. The docking system utilizes standard jetty modules for a solution that is low-cost, compatible with existing jetties, and easy to deploy or move when required.
To bring to life the various concepts that formed the foundation of Hyke’s all-electric shuttle, we had to go back to basics and reexamine the traditional elements of boatbuilding. What we uncovered laid the groundwork for an optimized shuttle experience – one that not only showcases aesthetic appeal but also delivers exceptional efficiency.
Experience
Accessibility
Flexibility (interior versatility)
Wheelhouse
Doors
Windows
Effciency
Hull design
Roof
Choice of materials
Structural optimization
Component selection
System design / propulsion systems
Design for manufacturing
Developing an electric ferry has presented the team at Eker Design with new challenges that may seem insurmountable to most. However, it’s about tackling these challenges head-on and working through them. We created a production-friendly foundation for the Hyke Shuttle. Unlike other products assembled in our small innovation hub here in Fredrikstad, we had to manage the team’s expertise differently for the Hyke Shuttle 0001. One of the unique qualities of Eker Design is our ability to provide ongoing support, make changes, and offer production support during and after production. This ensures that our production line is flexible and efficient. This is something we truly put to the test with Hyke Shuttle 0001 and has provided us with a solid basis for other projects we undertake in the future.
Safer traveling for everyone
Ensuring every passenger feels safe on the water was one of our top priorities in building a ferry. When transporting large numbers of people, safety must be meticulously executed down to the smallest detail. A ferry devoid of risks reduces the likelihood of accidents, allowing for the transportation of passengers without instilling fear. Through close collaboration with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, we successfully met all mandated requirements. For the approval of electric functions, we partnered with the DSB, while DNV assisted in ensuring the batteries for Hyke Shuttle 0001 were in order. We extend our gratitude to these three institutions for their active participation in the process, working together toward a common goal: ensuring high safety standards for Hyke’s passengers.
A holistic ferry experience
Most people have taken a ferry at some point. It’s one of the oldest modes of transportation humanity has used to cross rivers, fjords, and seas. Many have likely experienced them as large, noisy, and unpredictable. These are variables we considered in designing Hyke. We aimed to create a seamless experience for both society and the environment. Developing a product that smoothly integrates into the urban landscape would have a significant impact on the ferry experience. Therefore, we ensured that the user journey was based on taking the ferry from point A to point B without feeling like you’ve actually taken a ferry. The transition from boarding to the ride itself, and then disembarking should feel simple and hassle-free. Due to the various design choices we made during the concept development, these factors have been realized for Hyke Shuttle 0001.
Collaboration across Eker Group
Since day one, Eker Design and Hydrolift have closely collaborated in developing fast leisure boats and rescue vessels. Both companies possess a unique team of employees skilled in various disciplines. As the project took shape, Hydrolift Smart City Ferries was established, better known as Hyke. Hyke has gradually grown, and today, they have a total of 12 employees. Together, we have developed the transportation of the future, which will have a significant impact on people’s daily lives for many years to come. Thanks to Hydrolift’s extensive experience in boat manufacturing, construction, and assembly, Hyke Shuttle 0001 has a hull and structure that can be measured on a global scale. This makes the ferry rock-solid in all types of weather and conditions.
Creating a strong brand identity
In the process of developing a quality product, a strong brand is also essential. After the establishment of Hyke, we crafted the company’s visual identity, which includes a logo, color palette, website, marketing materials, and merchandise.