Dynamic Airkeel Stabilizer for Increasing the Capacity of Smaller Boats Through Active Control

The AMCOSTAR project, a Eurostars/Eureka and Innovation Fund Denmark initiative, was completed in July 2023. It aimed to develop and demonstrate an integrated air-filled canting keel (dubbed as Airkeel) and adaptive control system (ACS) to enhance the stability, capacity, and energy efficiency of small to medium-sized vessels (6–40 meters). By transforming passive stabilization into an intelligent, responsive system, the project sought to improve safety, increase load and crane capacity, reduce fuel consumption, and expand operational capabilities, particularly in offshore wind and aquaculture sectors. Through digital twin modeling, sea trials, and close collaboration within the consortium comprising Dacoma ApS, TUCO Group, SDU, and Automasjon & Data, AMCOSTAR delivered a viable stabilization system tailored to the needs of aquaculture vessels and CTVs.