From hybrid engines to high-tech wastewater treatment, new developments in naval architecture and design are helping superyachts reduce their environmental impact. Such topics are placed under the spotlight each year at the Superyacht Design Festival and this year will be no different with a panel of designers addressing the realities of a fossil-free future. But until then, we take a look at some of the innovative technologies already in action on board the world's most environmentally-conscious boats...
Despite measuring 107 metres LOA and with a volume of 5,844 GT, the newly-launched Benetti yacht Luminosity features a unique diesel-electric propulsion system with clean exhausts and a battery bank for up to 12 hours of silent operation at anchor. A considerable engineering feat, Luminosity runs on six 1,000kW generators that power two Azipods to help reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20%.
Spirit Yachts' 33.9 metre sailing yacht Geist manages to deliver a balance of beauty and eco-focused technology with mesmeric charm and elegance. The British yard's green-mindedness can be seen even in the way they sourced the wood for her construction. For the Douglas fir that makes up Geist's bow and stern, Spirit went to Canada, which it knew had robust regulations when it came to distributing wood. Additionally, the yacht glides through harbours with an electric propulsion system when not under sail.
Heesen superyacht Home pairs a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system with a proven Fast Displacement Hull Form by Van Oossanen Naval Architects to reduce its environmental footprint and improve efficiency. Designed as a home on the water by Omega Architects and Cristiano Gatto, the 50 metre Home is 48% more efficient than other yachts of its size. The yacht can cruise in four different modes depending on the situation; an “eco mode,” a “quiet mode” using electric motors and reducing sound pollution and a "diesel model" for cruising quicker passages. The final feature is the special “boost mode,” which combines diesel and electric for added power on the water.
Sailing yachts are generally the more eco-friendly option for minimising your impact at sea, but the 40 metre Rainbow has gone one step further and adopted advanced technology to reduce impact even further. Rainbow was launched in 2012 by Holland Jachtbouw and designed by Dykstra Naval Architects as a replica of the original America’s Cup-winning 1930 Rainbow built for Harold Vanderbilt. The J-class superyacht has been constructed for optimal sailing performance and is powered by a hybrid propulsion system that improves fuel efficiency and reduces sound pollution while under motor.
The 90 metre Lürssen-built superyacht, Ice, originally known as Air when it was launched in 2005, made waves for being one of the first superyachts on the water outfitted with electrically-powered Azipod propellers within her propulsion system. The diesel-electric generators supply power to two azimuth thrusters, which have the added benefit of giving a comfortable, vibration-free ride as well as seriously reducing emissions while underway. Thanks to the advanced technology of her engines, the Tim Heywood-designed, black-hulled Ice can reach a top speed of 18.5 knots and offers an explorer-class cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles when sailing at a speed of 15 knots.