Yacht builders Amels and Damen Yachting are to build a custom, 72m yacht, designed by Michael Leach Design, which will feature a hybrid propulsion system.
“This hybrid expedition vessel is an absolutely unique project,” stated managing director Rose Damen. “For us it has been very exciting to bring the owner’s very unique vision to reality. We are dedicated to developing more efficient propulsion and power-management solutions for our clients, which are underpinned by an environmentally sensitive mindset. We are proud to be at the forefront of a new breed of luxury expedition vessels, and this highly innovative new project embodies this approach.’’
The deck of the vessel will be designed to accommodate modular equipment, including a swimming pool and a removable battery bank. In addition to two main combustion engines, the vessel will have PTO/PTI hybrid electrical drives that are suitable for running up to 8kts, as well as providing onboard battery power for normal use, including silent nights at anchor without generator power. Energy storage capacity increases will be facilitated through containerized battery packs for extended zero-emission silent cruising in fragile marine systems.
The project will be completed entirely at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen facility in the Netherlands. The steel hull will be constructed in cooperation with its sister company Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and is due for delivery in early 2024. Project management of the build will be undertaken by Burgess New Construction.