To go green on the blue waters, the best time-tested option seems to be sailing by the power of wind. But unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced luxurious world, this doesn’t look feasible for most of us. If you have always though of luxurious green cruising over the lakes, rivers and seas around the world, here are the 10 best luxury yachts that are not impolite to Mother Nature.
• PJ World superyacht:
Designed by: Italian designer Nuvolari-Lenard
Palmer Johnson’s PJ World uses the latest diesel-electric propulsion package from Rolls-Royce to achieve DNV “Clean Class” status, which also ensures peak performance, endurance, low ownership costs and greater operational flexibility. More here.
• Frauscher Hybrid:
Designed by: Austrian boat manufacturer Frauscher
This luxury motor yacht from Frauscher comes with a hybrid engine. It not only assures zero emission and low speed maneuvering in harbors, noiseless drive on inland waters and nature reserves, but also eliminates the need for separate generator units for other on-board equipment. More here.
• Sabdes 50m Superyacht:
Designed by: Australian Superyacht Stylist Scott Blee
The Sabdes 50m Superyacht’s total power consumption is kept to a minimum by careful consideration of every technical element. For example, the vessel has LED lighting and there will be natural cooling to support the air conditioning system. More here.
• DSe Hybrid:
Designed by: Island Pilot LLC
Island Pilot LLC’s DSe Hybrid 12m is a 40-ft green yacht that uses technology that combines diesel, solar and electric power. Without sacrificing on style as well as performance, the Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m is able to cruise the waters at 6 knots only on solar power and 13 knots with diesel included. More here.
• Code [e] yacht:
Designed by: Berret Racoupeau Yacht
The Code [e] yacht, when launched, was being claimed to be one of the greenest in the world. The Code [e] generates electricity and uses it wisely. The yacht carries 40 square meters of solar panels integrated into its structure, 2 retractable VAWTs capable of generating 1100 watts and 2 hydroelectric generators to provide electricity while sailing. More here.
• Independence 60 motor yacht:
Designed by: Independence Green Yachts
The Independence 60 motor yacht completely eliminates the use of any fossil fuels yet provides luxury that any conventionally power yacht would offer. This self-sustaining vessel obtains its power from the sun and includes a full displacement hull form that smoothens the drive with a top speed 13 knots, while the cruising speed is 8 knots. The hull and superstructure material are made of aluminum, which is recyclable, and all non-aluminum materials are either a renewable resource or recycled materials.
• Ethereal superyacht:
Designed by: Ron Holland
The Ethereal superyacht uses the groundbreaking hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion system that runs on a lithium-phosphate battery which can be easily re-charged. It has enough stored energy that allows the super yacht to operate silently in “stealth mode” and run the ship’s systems for extended periods. Other features include energy-efficient lighting and appliances and well-organized water management system and air conditioning. Even the windows and hatches are designed to manage ambient temperature through automated filtering of UV and IR light.
• Green Jet Yacht:
Designed by: Erik Sifrer
The Green Jet is a 187-foot mega sail yacht that runs both on wind and hydrogen power, which makes it a planet friendly concept. To fully harness wind power, the Green Jet has two automated Aero-sail systems that can be controlled by a touchscreen. More here.
• Arcadia’s solar-powered superyacht:
Designed by: Arcadia Yachts
Arcadia’s solar-powered superyachts will be available in 75’ and 175’ versions, and will carry double-layered reflecting glass. The company claims that the unique shape of the hull will lower the amount of propulsion needed, which will be handled by low power hybrid engines running on either low emission diesel or solar panels. More here.
• Valbella superyacht:
Designed by: 30 Metres Plus Yachts
The Valbella superyacht is 40m in length and has an aluminum hull with wooden coating. It works by using a computerized skysail that powers it by wind. Since the Valbella is powered by means of special skysails, there is no room for vibration, noise or lines to handle. This ultra modern facility yacht was built in the historical city of Rochefort sur Mer, France.