With the dramatic pace of climate change, rapid energy prices rises and the increase in sensitivity of modern societies, this will quickly drive the Yachting sector in a radical different direction. Environmentally friendlier, socially more acceptable and economical “Green” Yacht concepts are the future.
Following this challenge, Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven together with the modern & passionate design office STAY SEA DESIGN developed the 125 metre ALBATROSS - a head turning Green Yacht concept.
The ALBATROSS concept is based on using the three naturally occurring resources, Wind, Solar and surrounding Seawater, also known as the “free fuels”.
The ambition and desire is to reduce the CO2 footprint and energy consumption by 40%, as a result of adding these free fuels into the equation. Thus making the vessel more socially acceptable, minimising its impact on the environment and resulting in a greatly reduced running cost. This will be realised using rigid Sail technology, which discreetly fold away when not in use, assisting the ships pro¬pulsion. Able to deliver approximately 1200kW of free propulsion power with fair Winds and alone could potentially achieve speeds in the region of 7 knots. With the installation of 1150 sqm of photovoltaic Solar panels, 280kW of peak power per hour can be harvested, resulting in a real world average of 120kW per hour over 24 hours.
Incorporating 5 vertical Wind turbines installed on the upper deck, allowing the vessel to capture up to 50kW of elec¬trical power per hour, day and night when conditions are favourable.
The ALBATROSS concept is based on splitting operations into harbour/ anchor mode and sea/sailing mode. While in anchor/harbour mode, energy is generated by 6 methanol fuel cells of 200kW each, assisted by the Wind and Solar free fuel generators with a 4MW Lithium ion battery storage application allowing free pow¬er to be captured 24 hours a day.
The vessel utilises a DC Grid for controlling and delivering all energy suppliers and consumers.
In driving/sailing mode, propulsion is generated by 4 main engines of 1800kW each, coupled in pairs to two gearboxes incorporating a PTO / PTI hybrid system for a 1000kW Generator / Motor attached to a control¬lable pitch propeller system.
Main Engines are powered using conventional marine gas oil, as there is little alternative for longer voyages, but consumption is reduced while utilising the rigid wing sail technology.
For use in both modes there are four 400kW rim drive thrusters installed. 2 in the bow and 2 in the stern, for safe and quiet manoeuvring of the Yacht in or out of port or anchorage.
Should there be a market shortage of methanol fuel, or unavailable due to remote geographical location, power can be generated via one of the two installed 1000kW shaft generator attached to each gearbox of the main drive application.
