The latest submarine built by Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences won the sustainability prize at the European International Submarine Race in Gosport, England. On behalf of the team that designed and built ‘Chelonia’, team captain Sophia-Felicia-Salome Döring (centre) was joined by Josef Gertzen (left) and Oskar Neumann (right) in accepting the prize.
In the competition in the UK, several submarine teams from universities around the world competed against one another. The challenge involved manoeuvring the boats – which were powered by muscle power and fitted with bionic propulsion systems – through an obstacle course as quickly as possible, for example. Prizes were also awarded for the best newcomer team, technical innovations and communication, amongst other categories.
The submarine, developed by students from the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, impressed the judging panel with its sustainability concept: the hull of ‘Chelonia’ is made from two separable materials and is fully recyclable. The new boat was put through its paces in a competition for the first time at the race in Gosport. The next race is scheduled for September in the Canary Islands.
At the campus festival in May, visitors were able to get a first-hand look at ‘Chelonia’. The entire team was also present, comprising Sophia Felicia-Salome Doering (team captain), Josef Gertzen (mechanical engineer), Oskar Neumann (mechatronics engineer), Gleb Byvaltsev (mechatronics engineer) and Franceska Collaku (communications department).
