AKVAREL RIBCAT is a fundamentally new class of working vessels combining the advantages of three architectures at once:
- aluminum working boat;
- catamaran;
- professional RIB.
As a result, a universal engineering platform with high stability, minimal draft, excellent seaworthiness and the possibility of safe operation near an unequipped shore has been obtained.
Unlike classic aluminum boats, RIBCAT uses integrated inflatable balloons and a double-hull design, providing a significantly higher level of safety and efficiency.
Project philosophy
Most of the existing working boats are designed as a compromise between cargo capacity and seaworthiness. RIBCAT was created differently.
This is a vessel that was originally designed around four principles:
STABLE -Maximum stability.
SAFE- Maximum security.
SHALLOW- Work in shallow water.
LAND ANYWHERE - Landing on almost any shore.
What is RIBCAT?
The name RIBCAT combines two technologies.
RIB - Rigid Inflatable Boat- Rigid hull with inflatable balloons.
CAT - Catamaran is a two-hull architecture.
It is their combination that forms a completely new platform.
Housing architecture
The project is based on an aluminum catamaran.
Large inflatable balloons are integrated on the outside of each case.
This results in four levels of buoyancy protection.:
- two aluminum housings;
- airtight compartments;
- cylinders;
- wide working deck.
Main advantages
High stability
The catamaran provides significantly less roll compared to the classic monohull.
This is especially important when:
- boarding passengers;
- loading of equipment;
- crane operation;
- movement along the side;
- rescue operations.
Work at an unequipped shore
The cylinders allow for almost risk-free approach:
- to the stones;
- to the concrete piers;
- to the pontoons;
- to the sandbanks;
- to the pebble beaches;
- to the swampy shore.
Even upon contact, the housing remains protected.
Minimum precipitation
The two narrow hulls have a lower draft.
This allows you to work:
- in river deltas;
- on the shallows;
- in reed areas;
- in shallow water.
High seaworthiness
The catamaran has:
- less pitching;
- lower roll;
- better stability on the wave.
At the same time, the cylinders reduce the amount of spray.
Additional buoyancy
The cylinders increase the buoyancy reserve.
Even if the hull is damaged, the vessel retains the possibility of a safe return.
Nose ramp
The full-size hydraulic ramp occupies almost the entire width of the working deck.
It is designed for:
- passenger boarding;
- ATV transportation;
- loading of construction equipment;
- transportation of equipment;
- evacuation of victims;
- unloading containers.
Working deck
Thanks to the catamaran architecture, the central deck is obtained:
- wide;
- smooth;
- without a pronounced tunnel;
- convenient for cargo placement.
The deck can carry:
- quad bikes;
- buggy;
- pallets;
- building materials;
- generators;
- containers;
- pumping stations;
- rescue equipment.
Cylinders
The cylinders are made of Hypalon marine material or reinforced PVC.
Main functions:
- case protection;
- additional buoyancy;
- depreciation during mooring;
- reduction of shock loads;
- passenger protection.
Cabin
The cabin is located closer to the stern.
This solution provides:
- maximum cargo deck;
- excellent review;
- convenient operation of the ramp.
Large panoramic glazing virtually eliminates blind spots.
Main Features
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 12.0 m |
| Width | 3.6 m |
| Height | about 3.3 m |
| Architecture | Hybrid RIB Catamaran |
| Body material | Marine aluminum |
| Cylinders | Hypalon / PVC |
| Ramp | Nasal hydraulic |
| Engines | 2 outboard |
| Power | 2×250-300 hp |
| Passengers | up to 12 people |
| Speed | up to 40 knots |
| Precipitation | about 0.45 m |
| Swimming area | river — sea |
Security
The design provides for:
- double body;
- sealed waterproof compartments;
- high buoyancy cylinders;
- self-draining deck;
- anti-slip coating;
- fire protection system;
- emergency navigation.
Additional equipment
Optionally, they can be installed:
- hydraulic winch;
- electric anchor system;
- crane manipulator;
- diesel generator;
- Starlink;
- radar;
- thermal imaging camera;
- echo sounder;
- side-view sonar;
- floodlights;
- independent heater;
- air conditioning;
- solar panels;
- high-capacity battery system.
Platform architecture
AKVAREL RIBCAT was designed as a single engineering platform on the basis of which it is possible to create vessels for various purposes without changing the basic design.
They remain united:
- buildings;
- cylinders;
- power set;
- ramp;
- wheelhouse;
- the main nodes.
Only specialized equipment is changed.
This approach reduces production costs, simplifies maintenance, and ensures a high degree of unification.
Possible modifications
- RIBCAT Cargo is a cargo option.
- RIBCAT Patrol - Border Guard Service.
- RIBCAT Rescue - Search and rescue operations.
- RIBCAT Fire - A fireboat.
- RIBCAT Medical - Medical evacuation.
- RIBCAT Utility - Infrastructure maintenance.
- RIBCAT Expedition - Expeditions and supplies to remote facilities.
- RIBCAT Survey - Hydrographic research.
Competitive advantages
Compared to the classic aluminum boat:
- significantly higher lateral stability;
- the hull is better protected when mooring;
- higher buoyancy reserve;
- less risk of damage when working near the shore;
- safer transportation of people and equipment;
- more comfortable behavior on the wave.
Compared to the traditional RIB:
- significantly larger cargo deck;
- full-fledged nose ramp;
- the possibility of transporting heavy equipment;
- higher load capacity;
- industrial modular architecture.
Project vision
AKVAREL RIBCAT is not just another modification of a working boat. This is an attempt to create a new engineering standard for coastal vessels that combines the functionality of an aluminum workboat, the safety of a RIB, and the stability of a catamaran.
The platform is designed for operation in conditions where traditional single-hulled vessels are limited: an unequipped shore, shallow waters, frequent mooring, intensive loading and rough seas. Thanks to its modular design and modern industrial architecture, RIBCAT can become the basis of a whole family of specialized vessels, from transport and rescue vessels to patrol and research vessels. This makes the project a promising universal platform for civil and professional applications.