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World's first laminated bamboo vessel gives fishermen stronger, more affordable option
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World's first: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti launches the world’s first laminated bamboo vessel during an event at Kenjeran Beach in Surabaya, East Java, on July 2. The vessel was invented by a team from the 10 November Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya. (Courtesy of ITS Surabaya/File)
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aritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has said that a newly launched bamboo vessel, invented by a team from the 10 November Institute of Technology (ITS) in Surabaya, East Java, can strengthen fishing activities across the country.
During the launch of what is said to be the world's first laminated bamboo vessel at Kenjeran Beach in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday, the minister went on board the vessel, named Baito Deling, for a test run.
Baito Deling won a Distinction Medal from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the world’s oldest and biggest maritime association whose members have been involved at all levels of designing, construction, maintenance and operational activities of marine vessels and structures since 1860.
Susi said she would help ITS in the boat’s certification process if it was ready to enter mass production. “This is an alternative for the fishermen because wooden ships are too expensive to buy.”
Heri Supomo, the engineer and head of the Baito Deling research team, said illegal logging had led to the skyrocketing of wood prices, making wooden ships increasingly expensive.
The team’s research into the laminated bamboo vessel started six years ago in 2012. “This ship price can be up to 60 percent cheaper. It can promote bamboo as an alternative material for the future,” said Heri.
Favored for more than just its efficiency, bamboo vessels have more flexibility and stronger pulling power than wooden boats, allowing fishermen to store catch up to 10 times more than usual. (ebf)
