The “Estuaire” project, which aims to install artwork along the banks of the River Loire in France, included the creation of the river boat concept. Since the boat will be offered for general rental or scheduled trips, special occasions, meetings, or places, the concept for the boat needs to be flexible.

 

Instead than having everyone facing forward like they would on a bus, it must allow passengers to have a free 360-degree view. With room for up to 200 people, the boat will circumnavigate Nantes and the port town of Saint-Nazaire, establishing a connection between them.

The catamaran form was chosen since it had to be able to navigate in small waters near rivers while also having the ability to cruise at sea. Because of this, this boat’s design calls for a shallow draft and two hulls, making it both agile and stable at high and low speeds.