- Notable for High Transport Efficiency in the Era of Climate Crisis and Energy Transition
- High Commercialization Potential Through Advances in Electric Motor and Battery Technologies
Interest in the 'Wig ship,' which has overcome technical limitations, is rising again.
The Wig ship, which has long been recognized as a next-generation transportation means due to its higher transport efficiency compared to aircraft or ships, has recently reached a level of technology that makes commercialization possible. This is thanks to significant advancements in electric motor and battery technology as the world strives for energy transition in the era of climate crisis.
Moreover, with the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to Wig ships, safer navigation has become possible. By linking weather satellites and AI, optimal navigation routes can be calculated. It can also determine the best takeoff and landing zones by calculating wind and wave heights, providing a comfortable ride.
The increasing emphasis on the need for low-carbon transportation is also boosting interest in Wig ships. When combined with electric propulsion, Wig ships are expected to become the best transport means to reduce carbon emissions.
Through such technological advancements, the Wig ship, first developed in the 1960s in the former Soviet Union for military purposes, now has a greater possibility of being used as an optimal future transportation means.
In South Korea, coastal municipalities with many islands are leading the commercialization efforts. Although discussions on daily living zones in island areas have continued, aside from operating slow ferries with long intervals or building bridges, no suitable transportation method connecting islands and the mainland has been found.
The biggest advantage of the Wig ship is that it does not require runways or ship docks, which involve astronomical installation costs, and it can reduce travel time through high-speed operation. Additionally, fuel consumption is much lower compared to airplanes or ships.
In fact, Ulsan City announced the 'Ulsan 2040 Plan' last year, which includes the use of Wig ships in the transportation sector. Incheon City also included the introduction of Wig ships in its 'Incheon Island Development Basic Plan (2022?2026)' last year to improve transportation and accessibility. There are 168 islands in front of Incheon, of which 32 are inhabited. The Incheon Island Development Plan targets these 32 inhabited islands.
Although Wig ships are gaining attention as next-generation transportation means, commercialization has not yet been achieved.
The leading company in domestic Wig ship development is 'Bogo Industries,' which holds many patented technologies in special ship manufacturing. Bogo Industries is accelerating the development of a uniquely Korean model that is lighter, faster, and drastically reduces fuel consumption. Starting with a 12-seat Wig ship that has completed development, they plan to develop 20-seat and 40-seat Wig ships as well.
Bogo Industries expects that once Wig ships with various advantages are developed, domestic and international orders will follow. They particularly anticipate diverse uses in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia, which have many islands.
Regarding orders, the head of Bogo Industries' R&D team stated, “There are currently no commercially certified Wig ships operating anywhere in the world, and our company, which possesses the know-how for Wig ship manufacturing, is making every effort to launch the first commercial Wig ship.”
He added, “Bogo Industries is currently focusing on internal combustion engine Wig ships and plans to develop electric Wig ships as the next step. If we use the existing internal combustion Wig ship body and apply electric motor and battery technology, there should be no major issues in developing electric Wig ships.”
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