Liverpool's Amphibious Adventures: A Splash of Innovation

Liverpool is set to welcome back a unique mode of transport, promising a splash of excitement for both locals and tourists alike. After a decade-long hiatus, amphibious vehicle tours are making a triumphant return to the city, boasting significant advancements in technology and safety. This revival marks a new era for exploring Liverpool's iconic waterfront, offering an experience that seamlessly blends land and water travel.

The New Era of Splash Tours Liverpool

Splash Tours Liverpool has announced the development of a brand-new, purpose-built amphibious vehicle, the culmination of eight years of meticulous engineering. Unlike the previous 'duck boat' tours that ceased operations in 2014, this new generation of vehicle is designed with the latest technology and adheres to all current safety regulations. Co-founder Ed Lumley highlighted that this is not a refurbished old model, but an entirely new creation. "We have designed something from the ground up," Lumley stated, emphasizing their unique position as the world's only manufacturer and operator of its own amphibious vehicles. This commitment to innovation is evident in the vehicle's design, which features nine watertight compartments, a crucial element ensuring its buoyancy and safety even in challenging conditions. The extensive development period underscores the dedication to creating a reliable and secure experience for passengers.

Lessons from the Past: The Yellow Duckmarine's Predecessor

The history of amphibious tours in Liverpool is not without its challenges. The previous operator, which ran the "Yellow Duckmarine" for 14 years, faced significant issues. The tours, which utilized World War Two DUKW trucks and landing craft from the 1940s, were suspended after two separate incidents where vehicles sank in Salthouse Dock. Investigations by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) pointed to poor maintenance and a failure to meet safety standards as the primary causes of these sinkings. The new Splash Tours vehicle directly addresses these past failures, with its advanced construction and rigorous safety protocols designed to prevent any recurrence.

Introducing CROSSER: The Autonomous Amphibious Vision

Beyond the imminent return of traditional amphibious tours, the concept of autonomous amphibious vehicles is also gaining traction, exemplified by designer Bernardo Pereira's innovative creation, CROSSER. First unveiled in February 2024, the CROSSER concept envisions a future where traffic jams on land can be bypassed by seamlessly transitioning into waterways. Pereira's revised model showcases significant improvements, including doors positioned above the waterline and an increased width for enhanced interior space. The seat height has also been lowered for greater accessibility, and an accompanying app is being developed for its potential use as an electric van-like taxi service. This forward-thinking design aims to provide a flexible and efficient mode of urban transport.

Modularity and Interior Design of CROSSER

The interior of the CROSSER is a testament to modern design principles, offering a modular setup with interchangeable symmetrical planes. The cabin boasts a smooth, rounded rectangular shape, providing ample space for passengers and the integration of additional equipment like speakers. It can comfortably accommodate four passengers, with two seats on each side, offering generous legroom in the central area, which also serves as convenient storage for personal belongings. Security and convenience are paramount, with the vehicle's doors featuring NFC technology. Passengers can unlock their doors by simply placing their smartphone near the LED screen. The doors are designed to close automatically, and sensors beneath the seats confirm passenger presence before they fully shut. The external screens wrap around the vehicle, concealing cameras and sensors crucial for its autonomous driving capabilities. These systems allow CROSSER to detect changes in driving modes and automatically adjust its settings.

Advanced Technology and Safety Features

CROSSER's transition between land and water is a marvel of engineering. The vehicle slows down before entering or exiting waterways, with its front wheels rotating 30 degrees to adapt to different environments. Upon returning to the road, the suspension automatically adjusts to prevailing conditions. Pereira's ambition for CROSSER is to achieve Level 5 autonomy in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, a goal supported by an array of advanced technologies including RADAR, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and thermal cameras. These systems provide a comprehensive digital image of the vehicle's surroundings, enabling precise navigation. Safety is a top priority, with real-time monitoring and sensors designed to detect potential collisions. In the event of an impact, airbags deploy both internally and externally to protect the vehicle and its occupants. CROSSER also features a mandatory seatbelt confirmation system before operation and an emergency 'stop' button accessible to each passenger. For added security during water travel, an external emergency flotation device is integrated, which can be autonomously deployed if the vehicle encounters issues, allowing passengers to await rescue.

Structural Engineering for Stability and Buoyancy

The structural design of CROSSER is optimized for performance and safety. It comprises five sections, each equipped with hydrojet outlets for efficient propulsion in water. An onboard computer is strategically placed near the wheel axles, while the electric batteries are centrally located to ensure balanced weight distribution. The main structure is constructed from aluminum and magnesium alloy elements, contributing to a reduced overall load. A specially designed hull at the bottom of CROSSER provides essential buoyancy and prevents sinking. This hull incorporates polyurethane foam for enhanced flotation and features four outlets – two at each end – to expel water for propulsion. Additionally, four water intake openings with internal propellers within each jet boost water flow. The hull's bottom ridge has been lowered and its slope increased compared to earlier designs, significantly improving stability and steering in water. Powering the vehicle are four electric motors integrated within the wheels, positioned behind the brake discs. The charging port is discreetly located in a corner of the automobile, protected from submersion.

Comparative Analysis: Past vs. Present Amphibious Technology

The contrast between the older DUKW trucks and the new Splash Tours vehicle, as well as the conceptual CROSSER, is stark. While the older models relied on robust but dated military hardware, the new Liverpool tours are built with modern engineering and safety standards. The Splash Tours vehicle, while not autonomous, represents a leap forward in terms of dedicated design and safety features. CROSSER, on the other hand, pushes the boundaries of what's possible, integrating autonomous capabilities and advanced materials. Here's a brief comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the new amphibious tours in Liverpool be safe?
Yes, Splash Tours Liverpool has emphasized that their new vehicle has been developed over eight years, incorporating the latest technology and is compliant with all safety laws, including features like nine watertight compartments.

Q2: What happened to the old duck boat tours in Liverpool?
The previous "Yellow Duckmarine" tours ceased operating in 2014 after two of their vehicles sank in Salthouse Dock. Investigations cited poor maintenance and failure to meet standards.

Q3: Is CROSSER a real vehicle that can be used now?
CROSSER is currently a concept project. While it showcases innovative ideas for autonomous amphibious transport, it is not yet available for public use.

Q4: How will passengers access the CROSSER vehicle?
Passengers will use NFC technology. By placing their smartphone near an LED screen on the doors, they can unlock and open them. The doors automatically close once passengers are inside.

Q5: What powers the CROSSER vehicle?
CROSSER is designed to be fully electric, with four electric motors integrated into its wheels.

The return of amphibious tours to Liverpool, coupled with the forward-thinking concept of vehicles like CROSSER, signals an exciting future for urban mobility. It's a blend of historical charm and cutting-edge innovation, offering a truly memorable experience for all who venture aboard.