
François-Alexandre Bertrand
Platypus Milestone
From dream to reality
2009 > 2011
Idea & Patent


2012 > 2013
Prototype
The hull is built in cork fiber and engines are fully electric, thanks to both partners Elvis Energy.
The first tests of the prototype in navigation under-Marine are made in 2013 demonstrating the relevance of the concept. But if the concept is proofed, the way is still long before achieving a ready to market version.
The project is stand by from 2013 to 2016.


2016
Second life of the project
As a first start, the prototype is refitted in order being perfectly functional: thanks to all efforts, the prototype is making a demo in Saint Tropez during the summer and is creating a huge media impact, being highlighted in several French TV news (France 2, France 3, M6, BFM) and international news (BBC, news atlas…).
The success of the trials and the impact in the media is convincing many actors to focus on the project and get on board: the famous naval architect Marc Van Peteghem, founder of VPLP design firm is joining the platypus team in order to design the new boat.

The French Sea Pole awards the project the innovative Project title of the year 2016 and the ADEME provides a substantial subsidy to finance the studies.
This is the “second life” of the project !

2017
New design
MI 2017 the form is finalized. The construction can finally start with CDO Innov.
First design: we start from a bigger catamaran for 3 pax…


2018
PLATYPUS IS BORN
Once exposed, the new Platypus Model is tested intensively throughout the year, the tuning is long, all teams of CDO Innov, Platypus Craft and VPLP are on the bridge to make the “diving ship” fully operational before its delivery to its first customer SEASCAPE In New Caledonia.

The result is beyond our expectations: she sails at almost 20 knots on the surface, embarks 8 persons (homologated for 5), is remarkably stable on the water as under water (one of the main objectives to be held!), rises and descends without fail… Successful Mission! The boat is declared good for the service!

2019
First customer and 2nd fundraising
A fundraiser is in progress for EUR 1.5 million to optimize the current boat and deploy the product range and of course sell it around the world.
This range will go from the Pro version, basic and solid as a rock, available from 125 000 EUR HT to the yacht version Electric To 575 000 EUR all carbon.

10 years later in the month the platypus wet its floats in the lagoon of Noumea.
This is the real beginning of an incredible adventure, Human and industrial.

2020 > 2022
Swordfish revealed


Discover the Platypus
