Since launching in 1976, Heesen has launched over 170 yachts and is now considered a world leader in the design and construction of aluminium superyachts. Now, BOAT takes a closer look at the cutting-edge technology behind Heesen’s revolutionary hybrid yachts.
Launched in 2017, the 50-metre hybrid superyacht Home is fitted with hybrid propulsion, allowing the owner, who loves nature, to have less impact on it.
The build captain of Home, Nigel Jenkins, explained the “two-fold” benefits of opting for a hybrid propulsion package, which gives the owner the option of running solely on electric engines. “This means [the owner] can run with a virtually silent yacht for the enjoyment of them and their guests,” Jenkins said.
The second benefit is the “reduction of operating costs,” Jenkins added, whether that affects the “servicing intervals on the generators or the fuel consumption [from] the main engines.”
Home is able to operate in four propulsion models. These include a conventional mode, in which the yacht runs on its diesel engines. The second mode sees the yacht run on its electric engines, which are powered by the generators and the third mode allows the yacht to increase its top speed by running the main engines and electric engines at the same time. The fourth and final mode, which Jenkins dubbed the “most exciting”, allows the use of the electric engines as generators, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
“Heesen is at the forefront of reducing C02 emissions by reducing the amount of fuel the yachts use,” Jenkins said. “I think many more owners will request vessels that are fuel efficient and reduce their C02 impact.”