The Flex Tunnel is a retractable tunnel which can be deployed when necessary.
Retracted:
When a ship is loaded and sailing in deep draught, the Flex Tunnel is retracted and embedded into the vessel hull. In this situation, the water flows into the propeller unobstructed. In comparison to a conventional tunnel, the flexible retraction of this system significantly reduces the overall resistance of a vessel.
Deployed:
When a ship sails at shallow draught (e.g. with low water levels) , the propellers are not fully covered in the water, which makes them function less (high resistance and low velocity). This is when the Flex Tunnel needs to bedeployed. This guarantees water inflow to the propeller, making a ship operational for a longer period of time. With the Flex Tunnel a vessel can sail longer on shallow waters and/or can take more cargo. The risk of not being operational during shallow water periods is significantly reduced.
