ST Engineering’s (Singapore) and Peluca’s (formerly known as Wigetworks, Singapore) joint venture, ST Engineering AirX (AirX), is collaborating with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on the trials for the AirX Airfish wing-in-ground (WIG) aircraft. AirX intends to trial the single- and dual-engine AirFish 8 prototypes.

Airfish 8, which can seat up to eight passengers in a 17 ×  15-meter footprint is constructed of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and plastic/sandwich composites. The AirX operates just above the sea surface by using ground effect — the name given to the positive influence on the lifting characteristics of an aircraft’s wing when it is close to the ground. Also known as a WIG design, this type of craft “flies by using ground effect above the water or some other surface, without constant contact with such a surface and supported in the air, mainly, by an aerodynamic lift generated on a wing (wings), hull, or their parts,” according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) website.

The vehicle is governed by IMO guidelines; it uses the same collision avoidance rules as conventional ships, and is reported to be much faster, fuel efficient and hence more sustainable in comparison. This collaboration is a step toward realizing the potential of such technology in areas such as maritime transportation and logistics services.

AirX will work with the MPA to identify an area off Changi, Singapore, for the conduct of the trials. MPA will also ensure that measures are in place so that port operations will not be affected during the trials, including sending out advance notification to vessels and the public to keep clear of the area. The trials, which will contribute to the establishment of an Engineering and Certification Centre of Excellence for WIG in Singapore to further attract professionals into the maritime domain, are expected to commence from the third quarter of 2024 at a frequency of twice monthly.

AirX will also work with a classification society on the process and compliance requirements for an Approval in Principle (AiP). The AiP is a validated third-party technical assessment and a certification milestone for the vehicle’s classification as a marine vessel before it can commence any commercial operations. The AiP will be awarded by a classification society upon assessment of the WIG craft’s compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards.