Green technologies developed for the energy and building sectors are making headway into the marine industry. Features like renewable energy generation and water purification systems are moving from built environments onto yachts. The sleek and sublime designs of eco-friendly yachts allow luxurious sea travel while leaving less impact on the environment.
As wind and sun are plentiful out at sea, photovoltaic solar panels and wind turbines are popular choices amongst designers to generate renewable energy. Many newer boats feature a hybrid of traditional and renewable energy sources for propulsion. The use of tap water and large storage tanks can be offset with purification and storage facilities for rainwater. Aluminium is often chosen for building eco-yachts since it is light and can be recycled. Some eco-yachts feature centralised lighting and heating systems that can be custom-set to maximise efficiency.
Here are five examples of eco-yachts we love!
1. Independence 60, by Independent Green Yachts (USA)
The 60-foot Independence hull trawler focuses on solar energy with roof-mounted solar cells to provide direct current to a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen fuel produced is stored for use by the fuel cell. Not only are there no fossil fuels used to power the yacht, the only by-products are oxygen and water from the hydrogen generator and fuel cell. Plus, the hull and superstructure are built from aluminium that can be recycled so the end of life environmental impact of the boat is minimised.
2. Catamaran, Berret Racoupeau Yacht (France)
The Berret design team has developed a 100-foot catamaran with 40 square metres of solar panels and two retractable wind turbines that generate all the electricity needed to power the hybrid propulsion system, as well as the LED lights in the interior of the boat. While fossil fuels are still needed for longer distances, an electric load shedding system monitors the electricity load such that consumption peaks are eliminated and the electric generator is used as little as possible. An elegant air intake system reduces the need for air conditioning. A rainwater harvesting system capable of capturing, filtering and storing rainwater makes good use of rainwater captured. For black and grey water, an onboard wastewater treatment system treats the water without any discharge.
3. Ethereal ketch, Holland
Ethereal, designed by Ron Holland and Pieter Beeldsnijder at Ron Holland Design, and built by Royal Huisman Shipyard based in Holland, has made use of innovations in insulation, lighting, appliances, water making and air conditioning to reduce the energy usage of this 58m ketch. The hybrid propulsion system is to be highlighted, as it is an electro-mechanical system that runs on a lithium-phosphate battery that can be recharged. Once charged, the ship’s systems can run on this battery for extended periods of time. Rather than the usual 140kw generator for a yacht this size, the energy-efficient Ethereal requires only 0kW generators. Another slick feature is the boat’s ability to manage ambient temperatures through automated filtering of UV and infrared light on windows and hatches. LED technology is used for all mast and deck lights. There is also a high-pressure reverse osmosis water maker that recycles waste.
4. Green Voyager motor yacht, Italy
Green Voyager HK-based ship builder Kingship is building a 45m motor yacht designed by Axis Group Yacht Design of Italy. This yacht is the first yacht less than 50m long to receive RINA’s “Green Star Plus Class” rating, a rating that ensures boats are built to standards that meet environmental policies in the areas of clean air and clean water. Of particular focus for this eco-yacht is the energy aspect; energy efficiency considerations are made throughout the different areas of the yacht, including heat reflecting glass, high efficiency insulation and heat recovery technology. Three types of propulsion are available: conventional, semi-hybrid and full-hybrid. A mix of batteries and conventional propulsion are used in the hybrid options to lower the dependence on fossil fuels. The aim is to reduce the energy demand by 20% compared to a conventional yacht of the same size.
5. Solar Sailor, Dr Robert Dane (Australia)
Solar Sailor designer Dr Robert Dane, based in Australia, has been creating solar-powered hybrid ferries that primarily uses solar and wind power. These vessels are floating on the waters of Sydney Harbour, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club has purchased four, which can already be seen in use in Sai Kung. The moveable rigid sails of the ferry are covered with solar collectors that charge batteries that run on an electric motor. This means the ferry operates with at least 30 per cent less fuel while releasing less carbon dioxide. Local shipbuilder Leung Wan Kee in China assembles the ships.
Prefer cruising over sailing? Sir Richard Branson is introducing Clean Energy Virgin Voyages to Set Sail in 2020.
Written By: By Karry Lai