By
Alex Smith |
Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven and Stay Sea Design have launched a new ‘green yacht’ catamaran concept, Albatross, that will use wind, solar and seawater to operate.
The concept would split operations into a harbour/anchor mode and a sea/sailing mode. While in harbour/anchor mode, energy would be generated by six methanol fuel cells of 200 kilowatts each, assisted by five wind turbines and 1150 square metres of solar panels equipped with a 4-megawatt lithium-ion battery.
In driving/sailing mode, propulsion would instead be generated by four main engines of 1800 kilowatts each, coupled in pairs to two gearboxes for a 1000-kilowatt motor attached to a controllable pitch propeller system. The engines would be powered using conventional marine gas oil, though fuel consumption would be reduced by a rigid wing system that could deliver approximately 1200 kilowatts of power in fair winds.
Six box coolers would replace a conventional pumped cooling system, saving approximately 70 kilowatts of power per hour. In addition, the companies have carried out an analysis of possible energy consumers onboard the ship, which they will allow them to achieve 90 kilowatts of power saving though the correct selection and placement of equipment.
The ship would feature spaces including a swimming pool platform, a beach club, gym, spa and several dining areas for up to 14 guests, though interior layouts can be adapted for customer needs. Up to 46 crew can be accommodated in mainly single and double cabins, and crew amenities include a lounge, an outside recreation area and a gym.
Albatross would feature two separate tender garages, equipped with four tenders and four jet skis. Each tender garage incorporates two rapid charging units with a charging time of around 20 minutes but will also be equipped for diesel-powered tenders. Each would be equipped with two shell doors and two gantry cranes, allow launching procedures on either the inboard or outboard side of both hulls. A wave breaker arrangement could also be used to create a moon pool effect between the two hulls, reducing swell and sea noise.
A helicopter deck and landing area also features in the design, and would be equipped with fast-charging unity for possible electrically-driven helicopters, as well as facilities for conventional aviation fuel-powered aircraft.