Following the recent unveiling of the diesel-electric hybrid vessel, the SW108 Hybrid, marine engineering company Southern Wind Shipyard (SWS), Nauta Design and Farr Yacht Design have released further details of the sustainable ship.
SWS states that sustainability is now its main focus when building yachts, which it says offer a high level of autonomy and a long-range cruising performance. It claims the build approach for the SW108 was to develop a vessel that was both environmentally friendly yet deployed well-tested technology to ensure safe and reliable operation.
To this end, the SW108 Diesel Electric Hybrid propulsion system was designed to be compliant with the strictest environmental regulations (IMO Tier III) and has been produced in collaboration with a globally recognized partner in advanced, technology-led defense and aerospace hybrid solutions. It features a combination of high-efficiency generators alongside a high-voltage battery bank and an electric propulsion motor.
The vessel’s propulsion system can be operated in three modes:
Silent Mode – Zero Emissions/Zero Noise: The vessel draws power from the battery bank when carrying out maneuvering operations such as anchoring, movements in harbor and pilotage.
Diesel-Electric Hybrid Mode: When moving, this mode lowers the ship’s fuel consumption and enables engine performance to be optimized, while also recharging the battery packs.
Sailing Mode-Hydrogeneration: Power is generated using the propeller as a hydro generator while sailing. An optional adjustable pitch propeller balances the power generation with consideration to the drag coefficient to ensure optimal boat speed and exhilarating sailing.
