Heesen sells second hybrid yacht: Project Electra

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by Mike Stones
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Heesen has sold its second hybrid yacht in the 5000 aluminium class – YN 19150 Project Electra – scheduled for delivery at the end of April following sea trials in the North Sea.

The 50-metre superyacht, which weighs below 500 gross tonnes, features a hybrid propulsion system; combining diesel and electric drives. The system is said to deliver greater flexibility in power management and improved performance and fuel efficiency; together with “the rare pleasure of cruising in near-perfect silence with zero vibrations”.

Project Electra operates in four different modes: Hybrid, Economic, Cruising and Boost. Hybrid mode enables the superyacht to cruise at up to 9 knots at noise levels of just 46dB. Two water-cooled DC electric shaft motors of 127kW each quietly power the yacht. “The benefits are silent cruising and higher manoeuvrability in close quarters,” according to Heesen.

Longer passages

Economic Mode allows cruising at 9-12 knots with main engines on and generators off. This mode is said to be ideal for longer passages, with fuel consumption at 12 knots being just 98 litres per hour and extended generator service life.

Cruising Mode enables speeds of 12-15 knots. In this traditional configuration the diesel engines drive the yacht’s propellers and the generators provide the hotel load.

Boost Mode allows the vessel to achieve its maximum top speed of 16.3 knots. In this mode, the generator-powered shaft motors operate alongside the main engines to give an extra kick of power.

Boost fuel efficiency

In addition, Project Electra’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) is claimed to boost fuel efficiency compared traditional designs. Devised by Dutch hydrodynamicists van Oossanen Naval Architects, the hull was constructed by Heesen’s in-house welding team. Dutch designer Frank Laupman of Omega Architects was responsible for the exterior design.

The vessel accommodates 12 guests in five lower-deck suites and a master stateroom on the main deck forward. The interior design is by Cristiano Gatto. Electra’s new Owners appointed Monaco boutique Sabrina Monte-Carlo to help with the decoration and detailing of their yacht.

Meanwhile, her sister vessel Home received several international accolades recognising the eco-friendliness of Heesen’s hybrid solution, including the Rina Green award.

 

Project Electra – at a glance

  • Length: 50m
  • Gross weight: Less than 500t
  • Propulsion system: Hybrid; combining diesel and electric drives
  • Four modes of operation: Hybrid, Economic, Cruising and Boost
  • Top speed: 16.3 knots
  • Fuel consumption at 12 knots: 98 litres per hour
  • 12 guests
  • Five lower-deck suites and a master stateroom on the main deck forward
  • Main engines:2 x MTU 12V 2000 M61
  • Maximum power: 2 x 600kW.

 

Project Electra’s sister ship Home won several international accolades, including the Rina Green award.

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