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The Best Hybrid Superyachts in the World

These eco-conscious vessels offer all the luxury of your typical superyacht.

By Emma Al-Mousawi

Hybrid power is seen as one of the most exciting innovations in the yachting world, with more superyacht owners demanding their vessels leave a smaller carbon footprint.

It is somewhat disputed quite how long hybrid superyachts have been around. Some would argue that Royal Huisman’s Etheral was the first superyacht to pioneer the use of hybrid technology when she launched in 2008. Others would say that hybrid power in fact arrived seven years later in the form of Feadships’s Savannah, featured below.

What can be agreed is that the hybrid superyacht is here to stay, and since both  Etheral  and  Savannah hit the water, numerous luxury shipbuilders have followed suit. But what actually is a hybrid superyacht? Bjorn Moonen of Ghost Yachts offers a straightforward explanation in Superyacht News. He said: “A hybrid yacht is basically a yacht that can be propelled by two different energy sources. Most commonly these are a combination of diesel and electric propulsion systems”.  As in cars, this system is infinitely greener thanks to the reduction in fossil fuel usage.

As well as hybrid power, these forward-thinking owners and their engineering teams often incorporate the very latest green technology into their designs – such as solar power and wastewater recycling system – limiting their impact that one step further. At Elite Traveler we have shortlisted some of the very best hybrid superyachts on the water today.

[See also: Meet the Elite Traveler Eco Superyacht by Heesen]

Amare II can can reach speeds of 17.2 knots / ©Dick Holthuis

Builder: Heesen Year of build: 2020 LOA: 164ft Number of guests: 12 Number of crew: 9

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Delivered in June 2020, Amare II is one of the newest hybrid superyachts to hit the water. Custom built by Dutch shipyard Heesen, her sea trials were completed during the height of lockdown which Heesen described as “challenging” but her delivery date was kept on track so she could enjoy her first summer cruising the Mediterranean in 2020. 

Thanks to her lightweight aluminum Fast Displacement Hull, which was devised by naval architects Van Oossanen and engineered by Heesen’s in-house team of experts , she offers the luxury of silent cruising coupled with frugal fuel consumption. In diesel mode, Amare II can reach speeds of 17.2 knots while in silent mode she can travel at 10.2 knots. 

[See also: Twenty for 20: Innovative Yachts of the 21st Century]  

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Her sleek exterior lines are courtesy of Omega architects who also penned Heesen’s first hybrid superyacht Home. Her interiors are yet to be seen publicly but are said to feature soft pastel tones by Monégasque studio Sabrina Monte-Carlo and fine furnishings by the Italian designer Cristiano Gatto.

Artefact set sail on her maiden voyage in 2020 / ©Francisco Martinez

Builder: Nobiskrug Year of build: 2020 LOA: 262.5ft Number of guests: 12 Number of crew: 24

This hi-tech head-turner built by German shipyard Nobiskrug also took her maiden voyage in 2020. Nobiskrug states that the goal in her design and build   was to demonstrate that “ beautiful man-made objects can complement and celebrate the natural environment with minimal impact.” Have her builders and designers achieved what they set out to?

The facts speak for themselves. Artefact has some of the lowest emissions of any superyacht and is one of the only ones to meet the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emissions regulations. Utilizing the very latest green technology she features solar panels and a battery storage system that enable the vessel to reduce the use of its combustible engines, as well as a wastewater recycling system and a silent hybrid propulsion system that can hold position without dropping anchor to protect the sensitive seafloor.

It’s not just Artefact’s green credentials  that are changing the game but also her avant-garde exterior design by naval architect Gregory C Marshall. Her multilevel glass wall and quirky curved windows are like nothing ever before her. 

Black Pearl 

Oceanco say that Black Pearl capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel / ©Tom Van Oossanen

Builder: Oceanco Year of build: 2018 LOA: 350ft Number of guests: 12 Number of crew: unknown

Oceanco’s Black Pearl is the world’s largest sailing yacht ( Sailing Yacht A below is larger but is a sail-assisted yacht) and is estimated to have cost in excess of $200m. The distinct vessel has achieved worldwide fame in the yachting world thanks to her innovative design and eco-credentials which have set a new industry standard.

Capable of crossing the Atlantic without using any fuel, Black Pearl is powered by a hybrid propulsion system that Oceanco designed in collaboration with consultancy BMT Nigel Gee. Of course, her other power source comes in the form of her towering 230ft DynaRig carbon masts which were designed by Dykstra Naval Architects and house 31,215 sq ft of sales. Harnessing wind propulsion couldn’t be easier as her sales can be set at the touch of a button in just seven minutes allowing for a much greener mode of travel than your average motor yacht. 

Black Pearl’s interiors remain somewhat of a mystery but according to the Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard who were responsible, the design embraces Louis XVI style (imagine elaborate wood carvings, opulent fabrics and gold touches) as well as some art deco influences. 

[See also: Step Inside the Black Pearl Yacht]

Bravo Eugenia

Bravo Eugenia uses around 30% less fuel consumption than her competitors / ©Francisco Martinez

Builder: Oceanco Year of build: 2018 LOA: 357ft Number of guests: 14 Number of crew: 30

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ Bravo Eugenia superyacht was the first Oceanco vessel to utilize an innovative LIFE design approach which was created with the input of Lateral Naval Architects. LIFE, which stands for lengthened, innovative, fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, harnesses intelligent naval architecture with these four principles in mind to achieve a harmonious balance between weight, power, technology and luxury living space. 

By boosting Bravo Eugenia’s waterline length, engineers were able to reduce the overall need for propulsion power and could therefore install smaller engines. In fact,   while most similar-sized superyachts would demand a two-level engine room, Bravo Eugenia ’s occupies just one, freeing up over 1,000 sq ft of living space (or more rooms for the vessel’s toy and tender collection). 

The team also refined her hybrid propulsion system to give significantly better fuel efficiency – around 30% less fuel consumption than her competitors.

Home is Heesen’s first hybrid propulsion yacht / ©Jeff Brown

Builder: Heesen Year of build: 2017 LOA: 163.3ft Number of guests: 12 Number of crew: 9

Heesen’s first hybrid superyacht was also the first to benefit from Van Oossanen Naval Architects’ li ghtweight aluminum Fast Displacement Hull. Her innovative eco-credentials and cutting-edge design caused quite the stir in the industry; so much so that Home scooped three awards at the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show in 2017 as well as a World Super Award and a Boat International Design Award in 2018.

Able to seamlessly shift between her diesel engine to electric, Home offers a more efficient voyage with reduced vibration and noise making for a more comfortable cruise. 

Available to charter from Burgess from $245,000 per week , Home’s Cristiano-Gatto-designed interiors are the epitome of relaxed luxury. The outdoors is invited in through floor-to-ceiling glass windows which flood her beach-club-style VIP cabin and living areas with natural light.  

Sailing Yacht A

Sailing Yacht A’s exterior and interior were designed by Philippe Starck / ©I.Puiatti

Builder:  Nobiskrug Year of build: 2017 LOA:  468.5ft Number of guests: 14 Number of crew: 35

At an enormous 468.5ft, Sailing Yacht A is the largest sail-assisted yacht in the world. Her lustrous futuristic exterior perfectly complements the forward-thinking engineering that powers this groundbreaking vessel.  Sporting a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and advanced navigation technology Sailing Yacht A is reported to have cost in excess of $400 million. 

Her mainmast towers designed by Dykstra Naval Architects – responsible for Black Pearls’ and The Maltese Falcon’s masts – are the largest carbon masts in the world and stand 328ft above the waterline, taller than London’s Big Ben. 

The striking hybrid superyacht’s interior and exterior were designed by the renowned Phillippe Starck and feature near-invisible windows enabling her streamlined appearance. This eight-deck superyacht is said to host a plethora of incredible amenities including a glass observation pod, a helipad, huge swimming pool and a submarine. 

Savannah was built by Dutch shipyard Feadship/ ©Feadship

Builder: Feadship Year of build: 2015 LOA: 273.1 ft  Number of guests: 12 Number of crew: 26

The multi-award-winning Savannah is widely regarded as the world’s first hybrid superyacht. Combining a single diesel engine with a pioneering electro-mechanical propulsion platform and streamlined hull, she is a true innovator. 

Built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, both her metallic exterior and sophisticated interior were designed by Paris-based Cristina Gherardi Design. The main aft deck has the effect of almost emerging from the water’s edge, with steps and platforms leading to a spacious beach club and living area. An outdoor 33ft pool, underwater lounge and a library are just some of the amenities that can be enjoyed onboard by those who wish to charter her, with a week-long charter costing approximately $1.2 million.

[See also: Style and Sustainability: The New Sunreed 80 Eco Catamaran]

Emma Al-Mousawi

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How hybrid sailing yachts finally became a feasible option

• May 17, 2019

They’ve been a long time coming, but marine hybrid propulsion systems are finally a working reality, as Sam Fortescue reports

The Bootswerft Heinrich-built 13m Yamila uses an Oceanvolt electric motor rather than a diesel engine. Photo: Peter Minder

Every sailor is familiar with the wet cough of the diesel engine, and the acrid smell of its exhaust. For some it’s the sign that an adventure is starting, for others it is the reassurance that all is well on board the boat. The traditional engine is perhaps your boat’s most important safety feature, but its days may be numbered.

The electric sailing revolution is coming – and though adoption in the marine sector is proving much slower than in the automotive world ashore, progress is being made.

The market is still relatively small. Clear market leader Torqeedo had sales of €25m last year, most of which was in ferries and compact outboards. It also offers a range of saildrive and pod drive motors for yachts displacing from 2 to 50 tonnes, or roughly 20-60ft LOA.

But sailors have been slow on the uptake, and for one good reason: if you’re planning to cross an ocean or take on tough conditions offshore, you rely on your engine to help you outrun danger or motor through the doldrums – sometimes for days at a time.

Oceanvolt AXC series is a modular shaft drive system (10kW to 40kW) that will fit in place of a tradition diesel engine

Even with the current crop of advanced lithium-ion boat batteries , the range of an electric system is measured in tens of miles, not hundreds. So a 35ft monohull with 10kWh of lithium battery (four units weighing 96kg in total) would have a range of just 24 nautical miles at 3.8 knots, or less than 16 nautical miles at full throttle.

Taking into account the incredible wastage of combustion engines, which dissipate more energy as heat and noise than they provide in propulsion, diesel is still ten times more energy dense than batteries.

Full-carbon luxury daysailer Yamila uses an Oceanvolt SD8 8kW electric saildrive system. Photo: Tobias Stoerkle

“When you look at bluewater cruisers, of course you will have a diesel,” says Torqeedo’s founder and CEO, Dr Christoph Ballin. “And it’s right that not many coastal sailors opt for pure electric.”

But that doesn’t mean that electric has no interest for cruising sailors – far from it. The more common route for ‘normal’ sailors will be to combine diesel and electric in a hybrid sailing system.

Under this model, the engine is replaced by an electric motor, hooked up to a bank of lithium batteries. This can be charged via hydrogeneration – when the speed under sail turns the propeller and puts charge back into the batteries – and solar or wind. But when extended periods under power are required a standalone DC generator, which can be installed anywhere on board, supplies the electricity.

This is the set-up recommended by Finland’s Oceanvolt, which has focused on the cruising sailing market with a range of shaft and sail drive motors from 3.7kW to 15kW (roughly 10hp to 45hp in diesel engine terms).

“In the case of the round-the-world cruiser, we recommend a hybrid system with a backup genset to support continuous drive when/if needed,” says Oceanvolt CEO Markus Mustelin. “A regenerating prop, which spins while sailing and recharges the batteries (sacrificing 0.2-0.4 of a knot, depending on the boat and conditions) makes it possible to be almost independent of the genset and use it only for backup.”

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This system has the advantage that the generator is only needed on longer passages, so the boat still manoeuvres silently in and out of ports and anchorages.

And a well-designed, correctly sized generator is much more efficient at turning diesel into electricity than an engine not originally designed for the job. Some sailors opt for an in-line hybrid system, like those offered by Hybrid-Marine, which bolts onto the existing diesel.

These are easier to retrofit, with many of the same characteristics as the full hybrid system, but there’s the disadvantage of still having an engine boxed away somewhere near the middle of the boat.

Electro magnetism

Until now, most business has been done through retrofitting existing yachts. But an increasing number of yacht builders are looking to include electric propulsion as original equipment. The world’s third largest boatbuilder, Hanse Yachts , is perhaps the most advanced – offering its entry-level Hanse 315 with an electric rudder-drive option.

The system takes up less space than the standard diesel, is much quieter and vibration- and emissions-free. But Hanse admits take up has been disappointing.

The technology has found more interest among lake sailors. Innovative young German brand Bente has been fitting Torqeedo motors to its successful 24ft model, originally designed for Germany’s ‘Green Lakes’.

Closer to home, dinghy specialist RS Sailing has decided to fit a retractable electric drive to its new RS21 keelboat. Already christened the ‘invisible gennaker’, the system is based on Torqeedo’s Travel 1003 outboard motor.

Bigger race boats have also been attracted by the lure of low-weight propulsion. Just look at Malizia , an IMOCA 60 being prepared for the 2020 Vendée Globe with a lightweight Torqeedo system.

“Emissions-free round the world under race conditions, while simultaneously producing your own energy, is a thoroughly inspirational concept,” said Malizia skipper Boris Herrmann.

Electric has also been successful at the luxury end of the market, where lithium-ion batteries account for a smaller share of the boat’s overall cost. A 50ft Privilege 5 catamaran and a carbon fibre Gunboat 60 have both been retrofitted with Torqeedo kit, while Oceanvolt appears on a Swan 57 and an all-carbon Agile 42.

Overview of the Torqeedo Deep Blue propulsion system installed in the Gunboat Moonwave

The Gunboat Moonwave has two 25kW Deep Blue saildrives both capable of regenerating under sail. There is still a generator on board to extend battery range offshore, but “they no longer use the generator – it’s just for emergency,” says Torqeedo’s Ballin.

Spirit Yachts is also designing electric propulsion into its Spirit 111  flagship, due for launch this summer. With four big 40kW lithium batteries aboard and a 100kW motor, the yacht will be able to operate silently for hours, although it also has 100kW of diesel generator capacity.

“The real focus is not the propulsion,” explains Spirit director Nigel Stuart, “but that everything works in harmony, from galley equipment and hot water to heating, air conditioning, hydraulics etc.” The British yard is also building a 65-footer using Oceanvolt hybrid technology and a new 44-footer that is pure electric.

With racing on one hand and high-end cruisers on the other, there is something of a gap in the middle. By Torqeedo’s own admission, the cruising sailor hasn’t been a big focus of the electric revolution, but all that is about to change. “We started a bit late with sailing,” Ballin admits, “but in the next five to eight years it will be addressed big time.”

Fully integrated electric drive system will power the new 111ft Spirit Yachts flagship

What does that really mean? Well, in the first instance, it means system integration. If that doesn’t sound revolutionary, then imagine a set-up on board where solar panels, hydrogenerators, batteries, generators and motors all worked seamlessly together to keep the yacht supplied with ample power around the clock. “That’s what people are willing to pay for: plenty of energy with heating or air-con through the night,” says Ballin.

The future of hybrid sailing

In the near future, Torqeedo is planning a new range-extending DC generator specifically for hybrid sailing boats. Its existing unit is built by WhisperPower and provides 25kW, which is too much power for boats using the pod drive system.

The genset will be designed to operate at optimum revolutions, while clever DC to DC conversion decouples the battery voltage from the charging voltage, for much greater efficiency.

With boats, just as with cars, the breakthrough that will make all the difference is around battery capacity. Until range under electric power can match that of diesel, there will be many sceptics. And that isn’t likely to happen for a decade or more, according to Ballin.

“Theoretically, they’ve tested batteries in labs that are ten times more efficient than lithium,” he explains. “And if that comes through, then gasoline is done. But we are trying to combine long-term vision with short-term mindset.”

In the meantime, the prevalent technology is based on lithium-manganese-cobalt, and a process of steady development is making this 5-8% better each year. For example, BMW has just announced its next generation i3 battery, used by Torqeedo’s Deep Blue system, will be able to hold 40kWh of power – an increase of 33% for the same size, weight and nearly the same cost.

Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 FP Pod Drive is suitable for small yachts up to 4 tonnes – a folding prop can also be fitted

The other area of development is around the propeller. Most cruising systems use a folding or feathering prop designed for diesel engines. But Torqeedo’s own research shows that the consistently high torque of an electric motor is best utilised by props with variable pitch.

And yet it is Oceanvolt that has addressed this issue specifically for electric motors with its Servo Prop system, which it claims to be 30% more efficient ahead, 100% better astern and 300% more efficient in regeneration mode.

Oceanvolt says that this prop can pump around 500W into the batteries at just 5 knots – the average pace of a 30ft monohull. At 6 knots that rises to around 800W, and at a very manageable 7 knots for a larger ocean cruiser you get 1.2kW.

“A new technology can rarely compete in price with an established one in its initial growth phase,” says Mustelin. “However, we have passed this and today electric systems are offered at a quite competitive price. When you add to that the fact the electric system is almost service free, the total cost of ownership is turning in favour of electric.”

So, you may not hear them approach, but expect to see more and more electric-powered boats on the water as the revolution continues.

A question of torque

A key part of the viability of electric propulsion rests on the notion that a smaller motor can achieve the same work as a bigger diesel. There are two elements to this. First, a diesel engine is not an efficient converter of chemical energy into thrust, creating a lot of heat and noise in the process. Second, the torque characteristics of electric are much better than diesel.

Mustelin says that Oceanvolt’s 10kW motor “easily outperforms” a 30hp diesel. “Typically, maximum boat speed will be somewhat lower (0.5kt-1.0kt) than with a comparable diesel engine, but at the same time the boat will maintain the speed better in heavy seas and headwind due to higher torque. Manoeuvrability is much better in confined marina spaces.”

That’s because combustion engines only reach peak power (and maximum torque) over a small range of speeds. Torque is a measure of turning power – at the propeller in the case of a boat.

A diesel engine develops optimum torque between 1,800-2,000rpm, while electric motors deliver it from 0 to around 2,000rpm. This allows electric motors to use higher efficiency propellers that are slimmer and more steeply pitched.

Engine-driven: The ‘alternator on steroids’

It has taken years of development and over $10m of funding, but renowned boat systems expert Nigel Calder has helped design an alternator so powerful that it eliminates the need for a generator on board.

Mounted on the engine, on the second alternator position, the Integrel can produce five to ten times more power. Sitting behind the system is at least 10kWh of lead acid batteries (lithium is also an option), and Victron chargers and inverters.

“If you crank the engine it’ll charge the batteries; if you’re running with the engine in neutral, it’ll know it’s in standalone generator mode and switch to that algorithm,” explains Calder. “It will likely be cheaper than a generator installation, and eliminates the issue of the through-hulls, the cooling circuits, the long running hours, the maintenance.”

The system allows you to run all sorts of creature comforts on board that would normally require a generator: from hot water on-demand to coffee makers and freezers. “We honestly believe that this system is going to supplant generators on almost all boats that currently have, or would like to have, a generator,” adds Calder.

With the engine in gear and at low revs, tests show how the Integrel can produce some 2kW of power without increasing fuel consumption or reducing speed – simply utilising the engine’s wasted capacity. This means it will work with the yacht’s existing engine – no need to overspec – and it has already been successfully installed on a new Southerly 480, a Malo 46 and a similar-sized Hallberg-Rassy.

Case study: Dufour 382 Alcyone

Built by Dufour in 2016, Alcyone was immediately retrofitted professionally with Oceanvolt’s SD15 saildrive motor, supplied by a 14kWh lithium battery bank. Owners Michael Melling and Diana Kolpak also specced an 8kWh DC generator for range extension. The fit out cost €30,600 for the motor and battery system, plus an additional €13,744 for the generator, and installation costs were around €8,000.

They charter the boat out near Vancouver, for exploring Desolation Sound and the surrounding area where silent, clean propulsion is a selling point. “Nothing spoils the joy of sailing – or a secluded anchorage – more than the noise and smell of diesel engines,” they explained. “Installing an Oceanvolt system in our new boat has freed us from that. It’s the way of the future.”

Charter manager Merion Martin said the conversion has also been popular with charter customers, adding: “The main advantage of the system is that it consistently uses around 40% less fuel than a standard diesel engine over the course of a week’s charter. But understanding the power management system takes a bit of getting used to, and the many components involved in the system can make troubleshooting a challenge.”

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Azimut Just Unveiled a Trio of Stylish Hybrid Yachts That Aim to Cut Carbon Emissions by 40%

The first three seadeck models are expected to debut at boot düsseldorf next year., rachel cormack.

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Rachel Cormack's Most Recent Stories

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Azimut has decided one new eco yacht just isn’t enough.

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Measuring 57 feet, the Seadeck 6 offers three guest cabins and one crew cabin. It can be equipped with three Volvo IPS 500 or 650 engines that can produce 380 hp and 480 hp, respectively. The Seadeck 7 , meanwhile, sports two Volvo IPS 1200 engines that can churn out 900 hp for a top speed of 30 knots. The 72-footer is outfitted with four guest cabins and one crew cabin. Details on the Seadeck 8 are still to come, but you can expect it to be bigger and more powerful still.

Developed by Alberto Mancini, Matteo Thun, and Antonio Rodriguez, the vessels each feature a lightweight carbon exterior and a sleek planing hull that together increase efficiency on the seas. The trio will be equipped with rooftop solar panels and a battery pack that can power the hotel load sans emissions for four to eight hours at anchor.

To top it off, the yachts will also have energy recovery systems to create hot water and anti-UV films on the windows to moderate temperatures onboard.

The first examples of the Seadeck 6, 7, and 8 are expected to debut at boot Düsseldorf in 2024, as reported by Boat International . Stay tuned, folks.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Volvo Penta D4 Hybrid first look: Is this the future of boat propulsion?

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Hugo Andreae gets an exclusive insight into Volvo Penta’s plans for a range of new diesel electric hybrid engines, starting with the Volvo Penta D4 Hybrid…

Volvo Penta has revealed a fascinating insight into its greener future with the launch of its first diesel electric hybrid leisure boat engine.

Although still a prototype, it is based on a standard 320hp D4 engine and DPI sterndrive with an electric motor/generator added to the driveline.

Speaking exclusively to MBY , sales project manager, Jonas Karnerfors, has confirmed that this will form the basis of a range of production Volvo Penta D4 and D6 hybrid engines.

To assess how well it works in the field, two of the prototype engines have been fitted to a 50ft aluminium fast cruiser.

Built by Marell Boats Sweden and operated by Hurtigruten Svalbard, a Norwegian-based adventure travel company, it will take visitors into the remote and environmentally sensitive waters of the Svalbard archipelago approximately halfway between Norway and the North Pole.

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The sub-zero temperatures and long running hours (it is expected to clock up 1,000 hours this year) will provide a rigorous test of the engines’ reliability, while their ability to run almost silently in electric boat mode should minimise disruption to wildlife and improve the visitor experience.

Hybrid modes

Volvo is not yet ready to share full technical details of the new hybrid engine, such as the power rating of the electric motor or size of the lithium ion battery pack, but has confirmed to MBY that the parallel hybrid system will offer three different driving modes: electric, hybrid and power.

In electric mode, it will only be capable of speeds up to around 10 knots but should be able to cruise at 5-6 knots for up to five hours, giving a range of around 30nm on battery power alone.

In hybrid mode the system itself will select whether to use the electric motor, the diesel engine or both depending on a number of different factors such as speed and battery state. In power mode both the diesel engine and electric motor will run concurrently to boost acceleration and speed.

The electric motor adds less than 500mm to the length of a D4. The battery is mounted remotely.

In fact, the electric motor actually replaces the mechanical supercharger normally fitted to the D4 and D6 engines by providing a similar torque boost to bridge the throttle lag at low RPM before the turbochargers kick in.

In the case of the Hurtigruten boat, the two 320hp hybrid engines are expected to deliver a top speed of 32 knots and a constant cruising speed of 25 knots.

Although the electric motor will be fully integrated into the driveline, adding less than 500mm to the length of the engine, the battery itself can be fitted remotely to ease packaging constraints in the engine bay.

The Marell M15 is an ideal test bed for the new technology combining lots of high and low speed running in sub-zero conditions

This can either be charged in the marina to minimise fuel burn or while the diesel engine is running. In the latter case, the system’s control unit is programmed to take advantage of the unused potential between the power that it is currently being used to propel the boat and its actual peak efficiency to recharge the batteries as efficiently as possible.

Both the driving and charging modes can be selected manually by the operator or left in fully automatic mode for the engine management system to decide.

Crucially, Volvo is determined to offer the hybrid drivetrain as an off-the-shelf package that includes the battery and propulsion unit rather than letting boat manufacturers or customers choose their battery supplier.

It hasn’t yet committed to a launch date for the production units but did indicate to MBY that it was likely to be within the next five years.

One of the big determining factors will be the size, availability and price of the battery packs. At the moment this is by far the most expensive component of the hybrid package, more than tripling the cost of a conventional Volvo Penta D4 diesel engine.

The hope is that battery density and price will come down substantially in the next few years as the drive towards electric vehicles brings reduced production costs.

Pay as you go

In the meantime Volvo is experimenting with a new form of pay-by-the-hour billing that will see Hurtigruten’s owners charged according to kW hours of engine use rather than the much higher upfront capital expenditure of buying the engines outright.

Volvo says this is an experiment in what it calls “e-mobility as a service”, and is said to be attracting a lot of interest from commercial operators.

However, it’s harder to see how the numbers would add up for leisure boat owners, who typically only run their engines for around 50-60 hours a year.

The ability to cruise in silence for up to 5 hours at a time will be ideal for wildlife watching in Svalbard. Photo: Daniel John Benton

The pilot programme is being run in partnership with Marell Boats and the Hurtigruten Group, giving Volvo a vital insight into how the new engines will integrate into the boat manufacturing process as well as how they perform in a real world environment.

Volvo is confident that the hybrid engines’ longer footprint should fit into the majority of existing boats’ engine bays but finding a suitable space for the batteries that doesn’t upset the weight distribution may prove trickier on some craft.

Volvo Penta D4 Hybrid test results

Jonas is confident that by the end of the season, the Hurtigruten test will have provided all the information needed to finalise the technical specification of the production engines.

That will just leave the question of when to make them available to the wider public and at what price they will be offered.

Either way Volvo is adamant that it is committed to launching a full range of hybrid engine solutions, not just for the D4 and D6 engines but right across its marine portfolio, including its larger IPS offerings.

“Our aim is to be the world leader in sustainable power solutions,” Jonas explains. “To do this we want to partner with companies that have the vision and courage to join us.”

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• (New) 58 FLY

GREENLINE 40

A classic motor yacht, where comfort and convenience for families comes first.

Pricing starts at: $ 560,000.00

Including the Greenline High Standard Package

• 6 x Photovoltaic panels integrated in the coachroof, 12 V. Solar battery charge management system.
• 600 Ah service battery, Automatic inverter 12 V / 110V / Approximately 3000W (permanent 110V on board system)
• Furniture in Golden Teak veneer, Dark laminate salon floor, Kerrock counter top, Kerrock sink
• Bow Thurster, hot water, el. Anchor winch, 224L full size fridge and freezer compartment
• BSH – COLREG certified – LED navigation lights
• Electric oven/microwave 110V in the galley
• 2x Electric Motor, featured with Hybrid 6th Generation HDrive Technology

Greenline 40 Technical Specifcation

Also available with

Description.

Greenline 40 truly redefines family boating. The level of comfort and convenience at anchor and safety underway were brought to a whole new level. The comfort of safely moving on deck with ease, excellent visibility, ambient light and ample ventilation in all areas are well above expectations.

Wether you just want to spend an afternoon on the water with your friends, or take a longer cruise with your family, Greenline 40 is the right choice.

Filter Categories ALL EXTERIOR INTERIOR VIDEOS

Your Comfort

When you combine one of the best insulated engine bays with a modern diesel engine, you get one of the most silent boats on the market today.

• One level living concept makes the movement onboard the Greenline 39 safe and effortless
• City water connection connects the boat’s water system with the shore water grid – just like the electricity connected to shore power.
• In the owner’s cabin, the beds can be moved to create single or double berths.
• The Greenline 40 has three different entry height levels (stern platform, side exit, bow), allowing you to safely board and disembark your yacht at all times.

Your Experience

Greenline 40 is the best choice for a couple with occasional friends or a small family of experienced yachtsmen, for hardened sailors or even for newcomers to boating with all the comforts of home.

• She runs silently, without smoke, or wake in electric mode and drastically reduces the amount of fossil fuel used during a boating season at sea, on lakes or inland waterways.
• Diesel or electric? Hybrid! All it takes is a flip of a switch to turn a diesel driven boat into full electric and back. Straightforward and simple.

We are Dymph and Wim Bijnen, the proud owners of Greenline 40 named Dymple. We made some changes to the boat – the blue hull, extra teak on the sun deck and on the benches in the cockpit gives this boat more cachet. For this summer a trip is planned to the Olympics in London where there is a big Sail Parade on the Thames to London.

As we owned lots of boats before we know it’s impossible to design and built a new boat without any problems, however Greenline/Seaway pursued in getting the boat right! We have never seen service like this before, big compliments to Seaway and Nova yachting. We are now the proud owners of this wonderful hybrid. As we use the boat in the northern part of the Netherlands it’s awesome to sail electric through parts were there are only lots of birds, the silence is amazing. What we also love is just anchor somewhere in the middle of nature without worrying about shore-power and still have all the luxury like we were at home. In short; we love the setup of this hybrid! It’s quiet, full of luxury and very versatile. Love it! Greenline 33, too awesome.

We are very happy with our Greenline 40. It gives a new dimension for family navigation. The boat is comfortable and really easy to handle.

Jon and Anne Fleming live on the Gold Coast. They have owned a Greenline Hybrid 40 since 2013 and clocked up over 1000NM in the first year. The couple have owned a lot of boats over the years – we asked them why they chose the Greenline this time.

“We wanted to sometimes travel without noise. We chose the hybrid version of the Greenline for that reason and often use it when the tide is in our favour – and it’s terrific – both effective and efficient. We live on the Gold Coast and go away for a day or 2 at a time heading to South Stradbroke Island and Jumpinpin. The Greenline is very comfortable for overnight trips away with everything we want – we often say it’s just like an apartment. We love the large galley and great fridge. We also love the full size beds in the main cabin – it’s easy to divide them in the in day time and push them together in seconds at night.

Easter in Mooloolaba

For Easter we went to Mooloolaba which is around 80 miles from us. It was quite rough off the northern top of Moreton Island but we were reasonably comfortable on board and the boat handled the conditions beautifully. We had 4 adults and 2 children on board for the long weekend. We had a fantastic time – dropping the stern down to enjoy the water and indoor-outdoor living. I guess for us the Greenline stood out from the crowd. We wanted plenty of shade, walk around decks, single level living and a swim platform. We also love the overall visibility and the fact that we can sit in the cabin and watch TV. The living space is really well thought out. We are absolutely thrilled with boat and our experience with eyachts has been very good. They attend to everything straightaway and are a pleasure to deal with.”

John Bossi had his eye on the Greenline for months. After several boat shows, lots of reading and research, he made a shared decision with his wife, Jo. The couple finally settled on the Greenline 33 Hybrid over their second choice, a catamaran. In his own words, John shares with us what his family loves about the Greenline 33…

Why the Greenline 33? “At first the attraction was the styling. The Greenline has a unique look for the market…it’s retro but modern. The combination of design and material like the beautiful woods give it a great look. I’m also impressed with its phenomenal value for money just in the purchase price. That’s on top of the savings you gain from its hybrid engine and solar power features.”

Where has the Greenline taken you? “Mainly day trips on Sydney Harbour and an overnight at Cockle Bay. We had it offshore in a 2 to 3 meter swell and it exceeded my expectations. The Greenline is gentle and plows through waves easily. It’s a supremely seaworthy yacht. The steering is relaxed and doesn’t roll as much as some of our past boats. There is none of the slamming you get on a planning hull. We look forward to doing some coastal cruising and more overnights in the future.”

How’s life aboard? “We love it! We have 3 children and lots of friends and family we like to entertain. I’m Italian and my wife loves to cook big meals – its our way of relaxing, creating memories with our favourite people. The Greenline is a perfect fit for our lifestyle – it’s truly an entertainers’ boat.” The Greenline has a great layout with a seamless flow from inside to out. I’m always involved in what’s happening when I’m driving. Again, in my other boats, I was on the flybridge talking down to everyone below. We also had our Christmas party on board. I invited the staff from my dental practice to a restaurant for what they thought was lunch and showed up in the Greenline. They were ecstatic! With 10 guests on board we had a blast cruising Sydney Harbour on a beautiful summer day.”

Any surprises on the Greenline? “One night we docked off Cockle Bay for dinner thinking it would be a great way to avoid driving late at night. We went back to the boat around midnight when we realized the party on Cockle Bay was just getting started! Surprisingly, as soon as we shut the door our world went silent for a great night of sleep! I had no idea the sound insulation was that good.”

What would you like potential Greenline owners to know? “It’s an extremely versatile boat. The brochures indicates this, but it wasn’t until going to 3 boat shows and owning one myself that I realised what that meant. There are actually 5 saloon configurations we use when we have guests aboard (see photos below).

1. Dining with L shaped and side seating 2. Coffee Table seating 3. Comfortable helms seat for two 4. Open Saloon using coffee table as a serving table or seat on bathing platform 5. Guest berths with a double and single bed

Each configuration takes seconds to arrange. Also the bed in the owner’s cabin is so easy to convert – again seconds. Having two entrances into the bathroom is a really nice privacy feature. The engines are also easy to access.”

How was eyachts ? “Working with Dan Jones was great… there were never problems, only solutions. I found that across the board with everyone I was in contact with at eyachts. I’ve made a lot of purchases from dental equipment to motorcycles. I have never experienced a standard set so high across an organisation. I love the espresso machine that Dan gave me as a purchase gift – perfect for an Italian. It was very thoughtful and a great ending to a wonderful experience.”

Our names are Ron and Andrena Williams. We purchased our Greenline 33 about 5 months ago through a wonderful agent; Richard Wardenburg and his lovely wife Suzy, from Auckland NZ. We have really enjoyed this boat, it is ideal for our situation in The Marlborough Sounds, S.I. of New-Zealand. The Marlborough Sounds has 1,500 km`s of coastal waterways, with variable winds and seas flat, to quite rough at times. Greenline travels well and, no-one experiences motion sickness on this boat. It is ergonomically excellent, with the extended deck area enabling us to partake in more activities, more easily, such as divine, swimming. The cost per hour to “run” at 5.7litres of diesel, is envied by other boat users. PS: My wife has a fear of water and boats but has gotten quite confident on our Greenline 33.

As we owned lots of boats before we know it’s impossible to design and built a new boat without any problems, however Greenline/Seaway pursued in getting the boat right! We have never seen service like this before, big compliments to Seaway and Nova yachting. We are now the proud owners of this wonderful hybrid. As we use the boat in the northern part of the Netherlands it’s awesome to sail electric through parts were there are only lots of birds, the silence is amazing. What we also love is just anchor somewhere in the middle of nature without worrying about shore-power and still have all the luxury like we were at home. In short; we love the setup of this hybrid! It’s quiet, full of luxury and very versatile. Love it! Greenline 33, too awesome.

Despite the acceptance of hybrid technology in cars, similar technology in boats still raises a few eyebrows, but there is no reason why it has any less promise in marine applications. Indeed, it may well be the future of powered boating and Slovenian boat builder Greenline is leading the way.

Hull shape and Hybrid propulsion are reducing the fuel consumption and environmental impact as well as increasing the comfort and quality of life on board.

The Greenline 33 is not only the big surprise of the year but arguably the most significant new boat of the decade.

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2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Hybrid Boats

• By Lenny Rudow
• December 27, 2022

Anglers who want to fish big water one day and backwater bays the next will be served best by a hybrid bay boat. Hybrid bay boats run larger, from 24 to 28 feet, giving them the length needed to safely navigate rough seas. Some hybrids are also outfitted with upper stations.

Deadrise at the transom is usually steeper than a flats skiff or smaller bay boat, clocking in around 15 or so degrees to smooth turbulent waters. 

While that means sacrificing a couple of added inches of draft, it boosts the seakeeping abilities. 

Hybrids also tend to have more range thanks to larger powerplants and gas tanks, and feature larger fish boxes that can handle even large offshore species. That opens the door to switch from pelagics and bottomfish to specks and snook.

Big Picture

Most hybrid bay boats, such as Skeeter’s 2550 or Grady-White’s 251 CE, have elevated casting platforms at the bow and stern. And because they’re intended to allow for long offshore fishing days, most have the added protection of a T-top.  Many also integrate family-friendly features such as extra seating in the foredeck, freshwater transom showers, and large console head compartments. These creature comforts make even extended trips fun for everyone.

The more livewells, the merrier. Regional fishing tactics might still vary some, but live-baiting practice has migrated farther north from its Florida epicenter year by year. So bay boats usually offer at least one livewell, with options for two or more. Often the third is a crustacean well, which is smaller and shallower for shrimp or crabs. 

Rod Stowage

You want to have enough rod storage for multiple pursuits to take advantage of these boats’ flexible personalities. Look for vessels outfitted with large, lockable rod lockers in the foredeck, long enough to accommodate up to 9-foot fly rods. Some hybrids will be equipped with rod racks to cradle rods and reels under the gunwales, either as standard equipment or options. Look for ones capable of handling large, offshore rod-and-reel combos. Four to six flush-mount rod holders are generally installed on top of the gunwale, and vertical racks are on either side of the console, leaning post and T-top. Make sure you order your vessel with as many as possible; you can never have enough.

The majority of hybrids are single-engine rigs, but there are a few large models that have twins. In either case, most hybrid bay boats can be loaded with horsepower to provide cruises in the mid-30s to low 40s, with a top end over 50 mph not uncommon. 

Opt for max power because larger motors can be run less aggressively to get the performance that would require higher, more-fuel-thirsty throttle settings on smaller motors. You’ll also get better midrange handling from larger, torque-ier models.

Electric Trolling Motors: Hybrids should include a bow-mount trolling motor, either factory or dealer installed, to make the most of their shallow drafts. These require 36-volt battery banks with an onboard four-bank battery charger. Lithium-oxide batteries weigh less than half of flooded cell batteries, are often used for added performance. But these require chargers with lithium-friendly charge profiles, so make sure the boat is so equipped.

Electronics: Radar, chirp fish finders and autopilot are must-haves for big-water adventures. Side-scanning sonar is considered critical for many inshore-angling scenarios. In all cases, having multiple MFDs is advantageous.

Pole Anchors: Some anglers consider Power Poles and MinnKota Raptors to be the best way to hold position in shallow water.

Upper Stations: A half-tower with an upper station will prove useful in both offshore and inshore sight-fishing situations.

Editor Says: If you were on a hybrid bay boat in years past and found it a bit too bumpy or wet for your liking, don’t let that experience cloud your judgment regarding today’s boats. Both design and construction have come a long way in the past decade or so, and modern hybrids are far smoother, drier, and more comfortable in a sea than those of yesteryear. -Lenny Rudow, Freelance Writer, Fishing Group

Versatile Vessels In- and Offshore

Hybrid boats bridge the gap between dedicated offshore rigs and smaller inshore boats, allowing anglers to target a variety of species. The twin engines on the vessel above allow those anglers to reach the snapper grounds quickly, and provide peace of mind. But the relatively shallow draft of the boat still permits them to chase snook, redfish, and other shallow-water species on days when the weather isn’t as cooperative. Ample rod holders, like the rocket launchers shown here, let anglers take whatever tackle is needed for both inshore and offshore fishing, so they’ll always have options. Adding a tower improves fish-spotting abilities and creates a well-rounded fishing machine fit for a variety of adventures. 

Experts Say

The name of the game here is versatility. Hybrid boats can flats-fish without having to own a flats boat that’s no good offshore. Hybrid boats function well offshore without having to own an offshore boat that doesn’t work at all in the flats. Hybrids also offer all the necessary comforts of a good sandbar boat. —Chad Jaros, Crevalle Boats

A properly designed hybrid bay boat is equal parts inshore and nearshore/offshore boat and gives the angler the ability to choose which arena he or she wants to fish on any given day, with limited trade-offs. We design our boats so if the weather limits offshore fishing, you can still effectively fish in shallow water. —Charlie Johnson, Pathfinder Boats

Editor Says: Don’t be afraid to go big. The major downside to larger models is increased draft, which cuts into your shallow-water fishing access. But the difference in draft between a 24-foot and a 26-foot model, or between a ­26-foot and a 28-foot model, is often just 1 or 2 inches. Offshore, however, 2 more feet of LOA can be a big advantage. -Lenny Rudow, Freelance Writer, Fishing Group

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FULL-RANGE HYBRID SYSTEMS FOR YACHTS

THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC

E-motion is the only supplier of standardized hybrid propulsion systems that fit into the existing engine room of all serial production yachts from 40-250 feet..

Innovation Award Winner

We are the proud winner of the nmma innovation awards designated by discover boating® miami international boat show®, nmma and bwi., come visit our booth.

and check out how you can electrify your vessel!  

STAND PALAIS-116

OCT 30-NOV 3

MARCH 20-23

Advantages of our hybrid propulsion for yachts.

Significant savings on fuel consumption  

Drastically reduce main engine and variable speed generators running hours  

Savings on scheduled maintenance

Our hybrid yacht propulsion system is maintenance free. Only the dedicated water cooling pumps require service  

Higher resale value of your vessel

Improved Quality of Life on Board

Reduce environmental exhaust and water pollution  

Drastically reduce your vessels yearly CO2 emissions  

Mooring and swimming in a bay without any gas emissions and noise

Silent and zero-emission departure from mooring and cruise in medium-range  

Cabins are noise-free in Zero-Emission or Diesel-Electric Mode navigation  

Fishing and trolling in Zero-Emission Mode  

HYBRID YACHTS POWERED BY E-MOTION

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Stay up to date on all the latest news and events in the rapidly evolving world of hybrid and full electric yacht propulsion. as seen in:, boat  , international.

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The Pioneers in Marine Propulsion: e-Motion Hybrid Systems

e-Motion stands out as the leader in hybrid propulsion technology. The parallel and serial hybrid options present a highly efficient solution for cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while delivering unparalleled comfort through reduced onboard noise, vibration, and exhaust.

Parallel Hybrid with Integrated Electromagnetic Clutch + Serial Hybrid for Yachts/Vessels 40-250 ft

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HYBRID TYPES

The advantages, hybrid functionalities.

The world is going electric.

Interested in the electrification of your yacht download our brochure and get in touch today .

“While there have been serial and parallel hybrid systems in boats for years, I have not seen any manufacturer implement a large system with such graceful integration and ease of use for the end-user.”

Gary reich - judge of miami 2022 nmma awards.

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Deep Blue Hybrid

Deep blue is a fully integrated propulsion and energy management system, industrially engineered and customizable with modular components. the result is exceptional performance, compliance with international safety standards, and highly intuitive operability.

• Relaxation: no noise from the motor and only a little noise from the generator
• Environmental protection: use renewable forms of energy
• Independence: adequate energy on board, less need to head for a marina
• Convenience: simple joystick docking
• Simplicity: only one type of fuel – and less of it required

System Overview of the Hybrid Drive System

System Components

High-capacity lithium battery technology.

Lithium-based batteries are the technology of choice for electric mobility applications. They store significantly more energy than all other batteries, they maintain a high current, they do not lose their charging capacity, they supply power reliably, and have no memory effect. They also have a much longer useful life than lead-based batteries.

The benefits for customers:

• High energy density

• Lower costs

• Long service life

• Highest quality and safety standards

Dimensions and preliminary specifications

Click here to learn more about battery technology

Economical auxiliary power

Third-party generators can be integrated into the Deep Blue system via the DC generator interface developed by Torqeedo. The converter generators eliminate the fixed ratio between rotational speed, power and voltage output.

Integrated into the information, safety and energy management system of the Deep Blue Hybrid, the generators produce any combination of power and voltage as required, adopted to individual setting.

Third-party generators can be integrated into the Deep Blue system via the DC generator interface developed by Torqeedo, providing long-range motoring and efficient backup power for serial hybrid systems. The converter generators eliminate the fixed ratio between rotational speed, power and voltage output.

Integrated into the information, safety and energy management system of the Deep Blue Hybrid, the generators produce any combination of power and voltage as required, adopted to individual setttings.

Technical Data

Typical application areas

Perfect for ...

• Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid drives with shaft power from 25 to 100 kW (equivalent to 40 – 160 HP)

• Sailing yachts, ferries, water taxis, etc., with hull lengths from 40 to 110 feet (12 – 33 m)

Highly flexible thanks to four operating modes

The Deep Blue Advanced Energy Management System offers four ways of conveniently operating the hybrid system automatically:

Electrical drive power, on-board power and charging power of the highest standard

The Advanced Hybrid Control System for the Torqeedo Deep Blue Hybrid system controls the generator to optimum effect (single or twin installations). It provides a reliable supply of electricity for 360V DC boat drive systems as well as all other 110/230V AC and 24V DC power supply systems on board:

Hybrid and charging power for the Torqeedo Deep Blue system

• AC on-board power supply for galley, air conditioning, water maker and other electrical consumers on board (hotel loads)

• Low-voltage DC power for lighting, radio, navigation, winches, etc.

Always in control

Deep Blue Hybrid offers intuitive operation presented on the multifunctional display, providing a complete overview of the entire system and access to all control functions.

The software keeps an eye on everything and prevents errors like deep-discharging batteries. An easy-to-understand graphical user interface is available as either multihull or monohull and delivers complete, up-tothe- minute system visualisation.

Premium throttles

We’ve come to expect an intuitive way to operate our technical devices. We expect detailed information, nicely displayed and clearly arranged. We expect that the objects we use are both beautiful and functional.

This is what spurred us to create the new Torqeedo throttle family and improved user interface for Deep Blue.

Our premium throttles offer the right solution for every application, whether for sailboats or on motorboats – ergonomic, strong and functional. All premium throttles come with Bluetooth built in for simple integration of Torqeedo’s TorqTrac smartphone app.

Hybrid Drive System and Integrated Energy Management

Hybrid drive system.

Powerful and silent electric drive systems allow manoeuvring and sailing at hull speed.

High-performance batteries adapted from the automotive industry enable prolonged motor-cruising for up to 50+ nautical miles without use of a generator. Solar power generated on board and hydro-generated energy – the propeller rotates while boat is under sail – provide additional propulsion. Besides, the integrated generator provides sufficient energy to cover long distances, if required.

The slowly rotating electric drives allow precise maneuvering and in combination with joystick docking makes putting out to sea and berthing as easy as pie.

Integrated energy management

The integrated management system of Deep Blue Hybrid makes it possible to use available power in any way you wish – for the powerful high-voltage drive system, for the 24 V on-board power supply or to operate equipment with 230 V AC current. Deep Blue Hybrid is designed in such a way that energy is always available where it's needed.

The combination of energy generated from renewable sources and by the generator means that there is always sufficient power available. However, the generator does not need to run for as long.

Clean and safe electricity can be used for all equipment and so it is no longer necessary to have propane or petrol on board. A tender can also be run electrically and can be charged from the Deep Blue Hybrid on-board power system.

Professional Safety

Professional safety for your sailing yacht.

Particular attention should be paid to standards compliance and safety during the development of a hybrid drive system. During the years spent on developing the Deep Blue Hybrid system we followed safety concepts that, for example, are standard in the automotive industry – but which previously could not be found in powerful electric drive systems for electric sailing yachts.

In addition, electrical drive systems for electric sailing yachts pose special challenges that are not relevant for other industries. In this respect, it is not enough to just follow the standard of other industries for high-voltage boat drives. As we are used to setting new standards, we have done so with regard to safety. Below you will find a number of examples of the Deep Blue Hybrid's unique safety concept.

Isolation monitor: constantly monitors that the voltage from all 360 V components is completely isolated from the boat – not just for individual system components but for all of them. If damage is detected, e.g. to the cable insulation, the system will issue an alert. In the event of dangerous insulation failure, the system will be shut down.

All components are waterproof: Components that were not specifically developed for boats are not always waterproof. All the components of a high-power system on a boat must be waterproof to guarantee safe operation. That is why all of our components are waterproofed.

Automotive industry-level battery safety: The first lithium batteries for the marine industry with the advanced quality standards of the automotive sector are the result of Torqeedo's collaboration with established battery manufacturers. Integrating a battery into a drive system and the associated safety concept alone requires considerable effort that can only be achieved by working together with the battery manufacturer.

Battery venting: In the unlikely event that the redundant safety mechanisms of the battery fail, the battery cells can reduce their temperature and pressure via a pressure valve. While batteries are installed in electric cars in such a way that they can discharge battery gases directly onto the road, on electric boats the gases must be channelled safely off the vessel. We developed the first safe venting system for boats for the Deep Blue System.

Battery damping: All components on fast and seagoing boats are subject to constant high levels of shock that exceed shock levels on the road – in some cases over 12 g of acceleration force. The same holds true when trailering the boat. Since batteries and battery electronics are not designed for these constant impacts, they need their own damping system on boats (in addition to the damping mechanisms within the battery). Torqeedo is the only company in the world that provides this for maritime use.

Benefits for Boatbuilders

Custom-built solutions are often pursued in order to meet a user's requirements. These individual hybrid projects raise a number of difficulties:

• High-end components do not exist for the custom project. High-tech safe lithium batteries, for example, require an intensive design-in process in close cooperation with the battery manufacturer's research and development department. However, reputable high-voltage battery manufacturers do not supply their batteries for custom solutions that they are not familiar with and that have not been coordinated with them in detail.
• Creating an integrated hybrid system requires a comprehensive research and development project accompanied by many person-years in the field of development running to the tune of several million euros. These efforts are not undertaken for custom projects, leading to lower reliability and a lack of complex but important safety features (such as pilot lines).
• The system integrator has the statutory duty to ensure that the hybrid system complies with all the relevant and mandatory standards such as the Machinery Directive and the EMC Directive. Custom hybrid systems do not generally meet these standards. Since a boatbuilder is responsible for ensuring that the entire boat complies with standards, the installation of custom-built hybrid systems constitutes a serious risk for boatbuilders.

Unlike custom-built hybrid systems, DEEP BLUE HYBRID addresses the requirements of environmentally aware customers, offering a turnkey solution that guarantees compliance with the relevant norms and standards.

• DEEP BLUE HYBRID was created in an extensive research and development project involving a large number of mechanical and electrical engineers over several years. The components were carefully selected and coordinated with an overall system. Essential inspections and certifications were performed at system level.
• High-end components such as hybrid batteries from the automotive industry were integrated into the system.
• Torqeedo assumes responsibility for the functionality and compliance with relevant standards for the whole system.
• DEEP BLUE HYBRID was developed on the basis of modular components. It allows flexibility and scalability without affecting system integration and reliability.
• DEEP BLUE HYBRID for electric ferrys, electric sailing yachts, electric catamarans & electric water taxis.

If we have awakened your interest in our products we would be pleased to send you more detailed information. Simply enter your details in the contact form below and we will get in touch with shortly.

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Frequently asked questions.

Volta stands out in the electric boat market due to our extensive experience and dedication to sustainability. Since 2016, we have been pioneers in offering innovative, eco-friendly boating solutions. Our range includes a variety of electric and hybrid boats that cater to both business and leisure needs. We partner with leading brands to ensure our customers have access to the best technology and designs available.

Quality and reliability are at the core of Volta's offerings. We meticulously select our partners and brands, ensuring that each boat meets our stringent standards. We personally visit the shipyards where the boats are constructed and follow the whole construction process end-to-end. Additionally, we provide comprehensive warranties and support to give our customers peace of mind.

Our team at Volta comprises highly knowledgeable and experienced professionals who are passionate about electric boating. With years of expertise in the field, our team members stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the market as we are in touch with all the major players. We are committed to providing expert guidance and support to help our customers make informed decisions.

Yes, Volta has been featured in numerous reputable media outlets. Our trend-setting approach and high-quality boats have garnered attention from various newspapers, magazines, and TV channels. You can find a selection of our press coverage in the "As Seen In Press" section of our website, showcasing the recognition we've received from local and international media outlets.

Requesting more information or scheduling a sea trial with Volta is easy. Simply visit our Contact Us page and fill out the inquiry form. Our team will be happy to provide you with all the details you need and arrange a convenient time and location for your sea trial.

Volta offers a diverse range of electric and hybrid boats to suit various needs. Our selection includes electric RIBs, open day cruisers, cabin cruisers, workboats, solar-powered boats for tourism, and luxury electric catamarans. Whether you need a boat for business operations or leisurely cruising, we have the perfect vessel for you.

Absolutely. Volta is dedicated to providing exceptional after-sales support and services. From routine maintenance to technical assistance, our team is here to ensure your boat remains in excellent condition. We offer a comprehensive range of services to keep your boat running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

Ready to find your perfect electric boat?

Latest Stories

The Candela C-8: Advancing Electric Boating

The Rise of Electric Catamarans: A New Era in Sustainable Boating

VOLTA Showcases Electric Boats at Palma International Boat Show 2024

Announcing Valencia Electric Boat Show 2024

Why Electric Propulsion Is Set to Change the Future of Boats

Interview with João Bastos

VOLTA Showcases Sustainable Boating at Barcelona Boat Show: La Vanguardia Interview

VOLTA's Electric Catamaran Makes Waves on La Sexta News at Barcelona Boat Show 2023

VOLTA Showcases Electric Boating Innovation at Barcelona Boat Show 2023

10 Reasons Why Electric Boats are Eco-Friendly

Why Green Boating Is So Much More than a Trend

VOLTA Presents the CAT 12.0 Lounge at the Barcelona Boat Show 2023

Benefits of having an electric boat in 2023

Sun Concept CAT 12.0 wins the 2021 Multihull of the Year Awards!

Naviwatt Expands Electric RIB Range with Powerful ZenPro 690

VOLTA Makes Waves at Barcelona Boat Show 2019

Volta @ Cannes Yachting Festival 2019

Leading europe's electric boat revolution since 2016.

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FIND YOUR HYBRID SOLUTION THAT MEETS YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Hybrid systems for yachts, take your leisure to the next level with quiet, clean and intelligent solutions..

Make the most of your yachting experience with an mtu Hybrid PropulsionPack. Not only does hybrid power reduce on-board noise levels, emissions and vibrations, it also improves efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The components for onboard power and propulsion are modular and scalable. Each hybrid system can be individually designed to meet your requirements.

Enjoy the benefits of silent but highly efficient electric propulsion, exhaust emission-free anchoring – no smell, no smoke, no noise –, emission-free maneuvering in harbor areas, and an all-round environmentally friendly system.

Great maneuverability, E-power assisted propulsion

Comfortable

Silent, vibration-free operation

Meeting the newest emission regulations

Optimized maintenance and operation costs

Discover the mtu Hybrid PropulsionPack

SERIES 2000

Power Distribution Unit

mtu engine series 2000

Electric Machine

BatteryPack

SERIES 4000

mtu engines series 4000

Combining full performance with eco-friendly sustainability: ​Hybrid propulsion opens up a new generation of yachting experience

Discover the future for yacht propulsion in our use case - as  flexible and sustainable as never before, with the same power

Use case Yacht hybrid propulsion

Hybrid  solutions  are  among  the  keystones  of  a  sustainable  future. The power of a diesel engine, which allows top speeds, is combined with the sustainable, emission-and vibration-free comfort of an electric drive. The highlight, in addition to fuel and cost savings, is that with a hybrid system, yacht owners can explore waters previously off-limits to diesel drives with a clear conscience. The following use case shows you what such a journey might look like. Learn more in the use case about:

• How comfort and sustainability are strengthened by a hybrid system
• What flexibility hybrid systems allow on board
• How hybrid propulsion systems enable journeys into unique waters

Premium Yacht Service

Latest mtu Yacht Stories

From bridge to propeller from a single source

With Rolls-Royce now a single-source provider of all systems needed to power a yacht, maximum efficiency is assured.

by Lucie Maluck

London to Monaco to save the seas

The 8-strong pedaling team mtu Power4Seas is cycling all the way from London to Monaco to raise funds for the environmental organization Blue Marine Foundation.

by Wolfgang Boller

Green methanol for mtu marine engines

Heading for the future with e-methanol: Rolls-Royce develops high-speed mtu methanol engines as a game-changer for climate-friendly shipping.

by Peter Thomas

Speed, comfort, efficiency, locally emission-free - mtu Hybrid PropulsionPack

Rolls-Royce's mtu Hybrid PropulsionPack offers more than one way to design hybrid propulsion for ships. Adapted to the customer's wishes, it can not only ensure lower emission levels, but also silence on board - whether in the harbor or at anchor.

by Vanessa Bösch

Solution Guide

Marine & Offshore

Download (PDF 18 MB)

Yacht Brochure

Outstanding performance. Unique comfort. Inspiring experiences

Download (PDF 11 MB)

Related Content

Ship Automation Systems

Controlling power with intelligent electronics. As a systems supplier, we not only provide you with the perfect propulsion system, but also with automation systems that are adjustable to fit your needs.

Premium power deserves premium service. You should be able to cruise confidently, enjoying every moment along the way. That confidence starts with reliable mtu engines and continues with Premium Yacht Service.

mtu NautIQ Bridge

mtu NautIQ Bridge is a fully integrated bridge solution. This outstanding ensemble raises overall ship performance, improves safety and offers a new level of customer experience.

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