TDoS collaborates in mega yacht concept design

In collaboration with DreamLiner Yachting and IYC, Tillberg Design of Sweden and Laurent Giles Naval Architects has unveiled a modern world voyager concept conceived to offer the ultimate world cruising experience. 

Scintilla is a 120m (393ft) concept designed to accommodate up to 36 guests and 44 crew members within an platform that combines luxury with sustainability.

Characterized by a sleek and well-balanced exterior profile, the five-deck Scintilla boasts modern dynamic lines in contrasting blues atop a white hull for an overall expression of performance and elegance.

The mark of the design’s Scandinavian roots is apparent throughout the interior, which is minimalist in style but luxurious in amenities, with five generous lounges and three dining areas offering guests ample space for relaxation, conversation and entertainment. Indoor/outdoor living is a fundamental element of the Scintilla concept, and wide panoramic windows feature throughout to maximize this experience.

Guests are accommodated in 18 spacious guest suites situated on both the “pool deck” and “heli deck” levels, each of which continue the indoor/outdoor theme with plentiful views through large windows. The expansive, multi-level owners’ suite comprises the aft portion of the bridge and heli decks and opens onto a private deck complete with a Jacuzzi tub and infinity pool. The yacht also holds 6 duplex guest suites.

An impressive toy complement is another distinguishing feature of the Scintilla concept, which provides dedicated space for a seaplane, submarine, foldable catamaran, expedition RIBS, amphibious and land vehicles, jet skis, quads and a helicopter, each of which is selectively chosen for reduced emissions.

Conceived as a forward-thinking concept that will wear its design well into the future, the cleverly configured Scintilla is planned to incorporate locally-sourced and eco-conscious materials throughout its interior and exterior spaces. U.K.-based naval architecture firm Laurent Giles is responsible for the yacht’s technical development, which is designed to accommodate hybrid engines as well as a combination battery and alternative fuel system to meet the needs of environmentally-conscious owners and minimize the yacht’s environmental footprint.

“With this concept, we have anticipated the demands of future yacht owners, who will appreciate having a means to explore the world’s oceans responsibly within luxurious accommodations,” says TDoS partner and Yacht Director Daniel Nerhagen. “Our aim for the exterior was to create a modern and sporty look, and also incorporate classic lines that will stand the test of time. Scintilla is indeed a world traveler for all locations.”

ALMACO delivered crew areas for expedition vessel Crystal Endeavor

ALMACO’s scope of delivery consisted of all crew areas and state-of-the-art public areas, where the guests prepare themselves for the expeditions that the vessel offers. The construction of the vessel took place in Stralsund in MV Werften shipyard.

ALMACO completed the areas onboard Crystal Endeavor on time prior to the vessel delivery. The steel-to-steel installation included interior and background outfitting. The installation of all 109 crew cabins and crew public areas were done by ALMACO’s team on site. The scope of work included full turnkey that covers everything from planning the entire project, design and engineering, material delivery and installation of the background systems to interior outfitting.

The project took place in Germany at MV Werften shipyard, where the luxurious expedition yacht was built. ALMACO was supporting the shipyard and owner from the very start of the project all the way to the completion of the vessel.

The vessel accommodates 200 guests and contains luxurious facilities for its crew and guests alike. It will serve its clients from pole to pole in various expedition routes and departed from Reykjavik on the 17th of July to sail on its maiden voyage, a 10-night circumnavigation of Iceland.

“It’s great to see the vessel travel to exotic locations with our areas supporting both guests and the crew.” said Eric Guiot, Project Manager at ALMACO.

TECO 2030 receives Approval in Principle by DNV for its Marine Hydrogen Fuel Cell System and Fuel Cell Module FCM400

Maritime cleantech company TECO 2030 has received an “Approval in Principle” (AIP) by DNV, one of the world’s leading classification and certification bodies, for its Marine Fuel Cell System and its Fuel Cell Module FCM400.

DNV – one of the world’s leading classification and certification bodies – has evaluated TECO 2030’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell System and three versions of its Fuel Cell Module FCM400 and concluded that they comply with the applicable rules and regulations, codes and standards.

“The Approval in Principle by DNV marks another important milestone for us in our development of zero-emission solutions for the maritime industry. By giving us the AiP, DNV clearly states that our hydrogen fuel cell system and fuel cell modules are safe to use,” says Tore Enger, CEO of TECO 2030 ASA.

An Approval in Principle is an independent assessment, confirming that the design is feasible and that there are no obstacles that could prevent the solution from being realised.

Confirms suitability for marine applications

“We are very pleased to be working with TECO 2030 on this important project,” says Olaf Drews, Head of Machinery and Piping Systems at DNV Maritime.

“For novel technologies, like fuel cells, having class involvement can be vital in building market confidence. We are continually working to provide practical solutions to enable their uptake and were the first classification society to publish rules for fuel cells in 2008,” says Drews.

“This certificate confirms the basic suitability of TECO’s fuel cell systems for marine applications,” he adds.

The engine of tomorrow

Hydrogen fuel cells are the engines of tomorrow and convert hydrogen into electricity while emitting nothing but water vapour and warm air.

By exchanging one or more of their engines with a TECO 2030 Marine Fuel Cell, ships can switch from fossil fuels to hydrogen and reduce their emissions to zero. They can then sail emissions-free either on the whole journey or on shorter distances, such as when sailing into and out of ports.

Hydrogen fuel cells can also be used during port-stay, loading and discharging, enabling zero-emission operation at berth, without having to connect the ship to an onshore power supply.

The first fuel cell system designed for ships

The TECO 2030 Marine Fuel Cell is the first fuel cell system in the world that is specifically designed for use onboard ships and on other heavy-duty applications.

The fuel cell module is designed with a capacity of 400 kW net power output. Several modules can easily be put together in containers, enabling system configuration in the multi-megawatt scale. A 40 feet ISO fuel cell container from TECO 2030 will have a power production capacity of 6.4 MW.

The TECO 2030 Marine Fuel Module FCM400TM encloses a low temperature PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell system. The system is developed by TECO 2030 in cooperation with the Austrian powertrain technology company AVL, while the modules have been developed internally at TECO 2030.

TECO 2030 has now started the process of receiving “Type Approval” (TA) from DNV. Type Approval is a procedure by which the classification society confirms that a certain product complies with the rules for standard designs and/or for routinely manufactured, identical equipment.

Marlink breaks boundaries to deliver smart hybrid connectivity to PONANT

Smart network solution combines multiple GEO networks with LEO technologies for large data consumption and high quality passenger connectivity at high latitudes

Marlink, the leading provider of smart network solutions, is supporting PONANT’s first polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot, with unrivalled data and voice connectivity to create a unique, seamless communication experience for guests on board.

Le Commandant Charcot became the first vessel of her kind to reach the geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021, during sea trials in preparation for her maiden voyage later this year. 

Marlink provided a truly unique and industry-first hybrid network solution, combining Sealink dual C- and Ku-band VSAT connectivity, GEO and LEO L-band connectivity and a high-data volume LEO store & forward capability. The network employs the latest technologies, including software defined routeing (SD-WAN) for an optimized and unparalleled guest experience. Marlink's LTE/GSM service completes the hybrid network solution and enables PONANT to provide aggregated delivery of hundreds of gigabytes per month, offering a record amount of data to connectivity-hungry customers. 

Constructed at VARD’s Tulcea shipyard in Romania, with outfitting completed at the VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway, Le Commandant Charcot is the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas.

Founded in 1988 by officers of the French Merchant Navy, PONANT has created a new style of cruising under the French flag, through a unique conception of sea travel and a commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Accessing exceptional territories aboard yachts featuring refined design, on which the art of living and excellent cuisine take pride of place: such is the promise of a unique and authentic PONANT voyage. With only 123 staterooms, Le Commandant Charcot is a major innovation that strengthens the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

De Wave Group completes four newbuilding outfitting projects

The De Wave Group – a leading manufacturer and contractor serving the full spectrum of cruise ship and yacht interior outfitting from numerous shipyards and its own specialist manufacturing facilities worldwide – has announced the completion of four 2021 new-build cruise ship outfitting projects now that the vessels have been launched: Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, MSC Cruises’ MSC Seashore, Viking’s Viking Venus and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.

In each case, De Wave was entrusted with some of the most prestigious and impactful areas of the companies’ latest showcase ships, with the Rotterdam, moreover, being Holland’s new flagship, MSC Seashore being the lead ship of MSC's Seaside EVO class and Valiant Lady taking pride of place as the “leading lady” in the Virgin Voyages fleet.

With these premium new builds, the De Wave Group further consolidates its outstanding reputation for quality workmanship using the finest materials while coordinating multiple teams, including in challenging technical areas.