Post by Hoppe Marine GmbH

Hoppe Marine sponsors the IWR 2026 Innovation Award The future of the maritime industry depends on innovation, technical expertise, and dedicated young talent. As a company that works with maritime technologies and their continuous development every day, Hoppe Marine sees a clear responsibility here – and at the same time, a great opportunity. That is why we were proud to sponsor the Innovation Award at this year’s International Waterbike Regatta (IWR) in Rostock and endow it with prize money. The award reflects exactly the topics that drive us in our daily work: new technical approaches, precise development methods, and the continuous optimization of existing systems. The award was presented to the Tretbootteam Duisburg from the University of Duisburg-Essen. The team impressed the jury with an innovative rudder system specifically designed for the demands of tight slalom courses. Based on the concept of a split high-lift design, two asymmetrically acting, highly cambered profiles are used, enabling high yaw moments even at very low speeds. This significantly improves maneuverability and provides a much more direct steering response. The concept was developed using XFOIL airfoil calculations and CFD analyses before being realized as a prototype through carbon-fiber-reinforced 3D printing. This project is a prime example of what student initiatives can achieve: independent development, interdisciplinary methods, and the determination to consistently pursue and refine new technical approaches. The IWR offers far more than a sporting competition. It serves as a platform for international exchange, technical discussion, and networking between students and industry. This kind of exchange is essential for driving innovation and bringing fresh impulses into the maritime sector. For Hoppe Marine, there is a clear connection to our own work: innovation emerges where theory, practice, and diverse perspectives come together. Supporting initiatives like this is therefore an important contribution to securing the long-term innovative strength of our industry. We warmly congratulate the Tretbootteam Duisburg on winning the Innovation Award and are pleased that the prize money will be invested in the further development of this promising concept. #HoppeMarine #IWR2026 #Innovation #MaritimeTechnology