Tag Archives: hybrid yachts

SUSTAINABILITY IN YACHTING

Sustainability means avoiding depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.  The push for sustainability in the yacht industry is a result. 

Green yachting in the use of eco-friendly salmon skin upholstery in superyacht interiors, and the first self-sufficient zero carbon vessel are examples.

A design studio is now building hybrid propulsion green luxury yacht charter super yachts.

GREEN STAR DESIGN

Guido de Groot Design and Intec Marine are proposing two revolutionary concepts for propulsion; as a result, they tout increased energy efficiency, lower noise, and CO2 emissions in boats.  The Intec Marine hybrid propulsion concept uses electric propulsion; therefore using two generators. An additional smaller engine is used for calm water or at anchor.

GREEN STAR DESIGN IN USE

Take for example a Monaco Grand Prix yacht, rented to be dockside for the race.  The boat then goes out  cruising the Côte d’Azur.  At cruising speed, one generator creates power for the two propulsion pods.  It also powers the interior (cabin lights, televisions, galley, etc.). This results in very low noise levels, estimated at 35 dBA.

The batteries enable the yacht to cruise out of the marina at 6 knots.  Simply start the redundant second generator for the yacht to reach maximum speed. The smaller, third generator runs at anchor.

HOW DOES GREEN STAR WORK?

Designers expect a 30% reduction of energy use as compared to a conventional setup. The setup uses three diesel engines continuously running  (two for propulsion and one for interior load).