Rafnar ehf

Rafnar has developed a patented high-performance hull technology for manned and unmanned vessels operating in demanding maritime environments. The company is established in both Iceland and Norway, with all vessel production carried out at its Norwegian shipyard. Rafnar’s hull design is engineered to significantly reduce slamming, pitch motion, and onboard accelerations in rough seas, improving operational capability, crew endurance, equipment protection, and vessel availability in extreme maritime conditions.

Rafnar’s patented hull is engineered for sustained operation in extreme maritime conditions. The controlled distribution of high and low pressure zones provides inherent balance and longitudinal stability. This significantly reduces pitch motion and slamming, which are key limiting factors for both manned and unmanned surface vessel availability and endurance. Lower accelerations reduce structural and equipment fatigue, reducing operating and maintenance costs.

At low speed, directional stability and manoeuvrability are improved compared to conventional planing hulls. During transition, an aft dynamic lift zone counteracts squat, reducing pitch and resistance. At cruise and high speed, the hull maintains a long effective waterline and low angle of attack. This results in reduced accelerations, improved seakeeping, and minimal wake with improved stealth characteristics.

Compared to conventional hulls, Rafnar’s hull reduces aerated water underneath the hull, supporting consistent underwater sensor performance. Improved hydrodynamic efficiency increases payload capacity and mission duration for persistent unmanned and crewed operations.