Maldivia 45 Beats Its Own Predictions in Sea Trials
28 knots sustained in 0.5–1 m waves and 27 knots in 1–1.5 m waves on standard 250 hp outboards; 30.5–31 knots with an optimised propeller
Polis, Cyprus, [day] October 2026. The first Maldivia 45 (M45) has completed a week of sea trials and outperformed the speed predictions made during its design. Running at half load (9 tonnes, all passengers and crew), the composite ferry held a continuous 28 knots in 0.5 to 1 metre waves over several runs, and 27 knots in 1 to 1.5 metre waves, on two standard 250 hp petrol outboards. Fitted with an optimised propeller, the same engines deliver 30.5 to 31 knots.
"Every number we calculated held up on the water, and in waves the boat did better than we predicted," said Hans Genthe, Senior Consultant at AEOMAR. "That is the proof our clients need before they commit a fleet."
A full week, in waves up to 2 metres
Hull No. 1 was tested over one week in open-sea conditions, with waves from 0.5 to 2 metres throughout. There was no flat water during the trial week, so every figure was measured in waves. The boat was loaded to 9 tonnes, half of its 13-tonne maximum, with a full complement of passengers and crew on board. Power came from two Yamaha F250 petrol outboards, a deliberately modest setup: the production specification for the outboard version is 2 × 300 hp.
Results: on target, and better in waves
Measurement | Result |
Waterline at 9 t | Exactly on the designed waterline, to the millimetre |
Fuel consumption | Slightly below prediction |
Top speed, waves up to 0.5 m, standard 17" propeller | 30 knots |
Top speed, 1 m waves with wind and sea from astern, standard 17" propeller | 30 knots |
Sustained speed, 0.5–1 m waves, standard 17" propeller | 28 knots, repeated over several runs |
Sustained speed, 1–1.5 m waves, standard 17" propeller | 27 knots |
Top speed, optimised propeller | 30.5–31 knots |
In 1-metre waves the captain never had to throttle back. The hull did not slam and the ride stayed smooth, so the M45 lost only one knot between 0.5–1 m and 1–1.5 m waves, better than the design calculations had allowed for. With wind and waves from astern, it ran 30 knots in 1-metre waves.
The propeller programme confirmed the engine and hull data. Reducing pitch lets the outboards reach their rated rpm, which lifts top speed to 30.5–31 knots without any change to the boat.
What the client noticed: comfort and handling
The client, a Maldivian operator, took part in the trials and assessed the boat against its current fleet. Its team found the motion in a seaway gentle and comfortable for guests. They rated the M45 about 75% easier to handle than the 38-foot boat they operate today.
The crew noticed the difference in port as well. "Manoeuvring in the harbour is far easier than with similar boats in the Maldives," said one of the test captains.
Updated predictions for every drive version
AEOMAR has recalibrated the performance model for all M45 drive versions using the measured trial data. Predicted top speeds in calm conditions (waves up to 0.5 m):
Drive version | Light | Half load | Full load |
Petrol outboard, 2 × Yamaha F300 (standard spec) | 36 kn | 33.5 kn | 30 kn |
Petrol outboard, 2 × Yamaha F350 | 38.5 kn | 36 kn | 32 kn |
Diesel inboard, 2 × Diemmax S6, carbon hull | 35.5 kn | 32.5 kn | 29.5 kn |
Diesel inboard, 2 × Diemmax S6, glass hull | 33 kn | 30.5 kn | 27.5 kn |
Diesel inboard, 2 × Diemmax V12, glass hull | 45 kn | 42 kn | 38 kn |
Electric inboard, AEOMAR drive, 2 × 200 kW continuous, LFP battery | 33.5 kn | 31 kn | 28 kn |
Light = crew only, about 7 t (5.5 t carbon). Half load = 9 t (7.5 t carbon). Full load = 13 t (10 t carbon). The trial shows the M45 holds about 93% of these speeds in 0.5–1 m waves and about 90% in 1–1.5 m waves.
Next steps
Remaining fit-out work on Hull No. 1 is under way ahead of delivery. Hull No. 2, with diesel power and the full passenger interior, will arrive in the Maldives in January 2027.
About the Maldivia 45
The Maldivia 45 is a 13.88 m high-speed passenger vessel for inter-island transport in demanding sea conditions. It carries up to 55 passengers with 40 kg of luggage each in a patented central luggage system. Built from epoxy prepreg composites, it operates at 10 to 13 tonnes fully loaded, against 21 tonnes or more for comparable vessels. Its draft of less than 0.9 m opens shallow lagoons and harbours, and four boarding points serve both high quays and low pontoons. The M45 is available with petrol outboard, diesel inboard and fully electric drives.
Media and sales contact AEOMAR Ltd, Polis, Cyprus [Name] · [Email] · [Phone] www.maldiviashipyard.com
Kommentare