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Eco-friendly superyachts are the hottest new trend. Reducing pollution while on the high seas is a big challenge for the industry. New technologies are closely focused on eco-efficiency and sustainability. For example, Van Oossanen Naval Architects is looking into the eco-friendly yacht of the future. The Yacht of 2030 is an in-house project to stay ahead of the International Marine Organisation’s roadmap for a 50% reduction in CO² emissions by 2050. How far can we reduce CO² emissions? Van Oossanen Naval Architects looked at the size of the vessels in the marina, the marine traffic, the profile range, the percentage of emissions for operational modes, etc. Their main takeaway was that an effective hull can reduce fuel consumption. Their solution is the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), which combines the low-speed efficiency of a full-displacement vessel with the maximum speed associated with a semi-displacement hull. Smart systems onboard will be able to help as well, but for now the shipbuilder only carries out the requests of specific customers, instead of thinking that far into the future. Another trend will be using wind energy and investing more in sailing vessels. The 106.7m Black Pearl is a good example of this. There is also some forward thinking here, in using a wind-powered system in the commercial sector. Hybrid systems with batteries, such as Bravo Eugenia or Artefact, with its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, are other options. Solar power and renewable energy sources are also topics for discussion. For example, Arcadia Yachts is famous for using solar panels on its 16- to 47-meter-long yachts. Solar panels make them 10 to 40% more efficient than yachts of similar sizes. The future will show which solution will be the most effective, but it’s clear that humanity is on its way to reducing its ecological footprint. And that's good news.Credits: Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Oceanco, Nobiskrug, Arcadia Yachts

Silent-Yachts has strengthened its team. Jochen Rudat joined the shipyard advisory board. He has over ten years of experience at Tesla, the most valuable car company in the world, and also directly reported to Elon Musk. Most recently, Rudat was director for Central Europe at Tesla."We are very happy to welcome Jochen in the team," said Michael Köhler, founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts. "Besides the fact that Jochen shares the same passion and enthusiasm for the electric future as we do, the knowledge and experience he brings to the table will be valuable for Silent-Yachts to successfully master our future plans and challenges."Silent-Yachts is one of the most active players in the solar electric luxury catamarans’ market in the world. They currently have ten yachts under construction at shipyards in Thailand and Italy. "I see the same transition happening in the yachting industry as in the automotive industry," commented Jochen Rudat. "Since Silent-Yachts is clearly the leading pioneer of this change, I am eager to provide my support and advise on their further path. As the initiating catalyst for a more sustainable future in luxury yachting, we want to continue to drive innovation towards the right direction. I see a lot of parallels between Tesla and Silent-Yachts, such as their commitment of creating a solar-powered catamaran from scratch by starting off with a white canvas and a bold vision. With this in mind, I understand and agree as to why Silent-Yachts has been labelled by the media as the Tesla of the Seas."Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran, after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats since then.Credits: Silent-Yachts

This new solar-powered catamaran concept is called Pagurus. It is ecologically powered by sun and water. The 25m yacht can accommodate twelve guests in five cabins and four crew members. The living space is divided in two side hulls connected to each other through a bridge tower deck station with the helm station and dining area.The central part incorporates the crane platform, which connects through four electric winches and can load and upload anything from dining sets to off-road vehicles and tenders. One of the most amazing aspects is the ability to turn Pagurus into a vehicle that can move on sand and mud. The estimated maximum sailing speed will be around 25 knots and cruising speed will be 18 knots. Pagurus is one more nature-inspired concept by Lazzarini Design Studio. The futuristic swan-shaped Avanguardia is another. Video code: Pagurus from Lazzarini Design on Vimeo.Credits: Lazzarini Design Studio

The 76m Lürssen yacht Huntress (ex. Bella Vita) was sold in the first few days of the year. The yacht, originally called Northern Star, was renamed Bella Vita in 2017. She was launched in 2009 and got a refit in 2015. This motor yacht can accommodate twelve guests in six spacious cabins with an interior design by Pauline Nunns and an exterior design by Espen Oeino.She was used for charter with her six decks full of entertainment and relaxation, including a spa, beauty salon, jacuzzi, movie theatre and gym. Huntress a luxury yacht with an ice-classed hull coupled with a range of over 7,000 miles. She can reach speeds of up to 24 knots.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet, including Octopus, Rising Sun, and Azzam.Credits: Lürssen

The Thailand Yacht Show has been postponed due to a recent outbreak of coronavirus infections in Thailand and the latest announcement of restrictions on inter-provincial travel. The Show was scheduled for 11th–14th February. CEO Andy Treadwell said “We have discussed the options with our principal stakeholders and all agree that we have no choice in the matter. With only six weeks to go to show opening, and travel restrictions seeming likely to become more widely enforced over the next few weeks, it would simply be irresponsible to continue with plans to stage the show over the Chinese New Year period in February, even if it were allowed. Despite the financial hardships this will cause for our suppliers our exhibitors; and for ourselves, too, we are in full agreement with the government’s anti-Covid safety measures, and we will just have to wait for the situation to ease.”“We will continue to work hard to make this happen – as soon as we can make it happen safely,” Treadwell continues.New dates for the show will be announced as soon as possible, likely in either June/July, or November.Credits: TYS