Nautor Swan launches first hybrid-electric maxi yacht

Luxury sailing yacht producer Nautor Swan has launched a hybrid-electric maxi yacht that is powered by a fully integrated Deep Blue system by Torqeedo

Swan 88 DreamCatcher

The 88ft vessel, named the Swan 88 DreamCatcher, is equipped with a custom-developed 120kW electric drive system and 160kWh of energy storage, which delivers silent motoring at a max speed of 11.4kts.

The Deep Blue system electrically powers and centrally manages onboard systems and amenities. This is intended to ensure intuitive operation and enhanced sustainability. All controls are seamlessly integrated into the yacht’s multifunctional displays, courtesy of a joint development between Torqeedo, Nautor Swan and Navico.

The 120kW Deep Blue inboard motor, developed for the Swan 88 by Torqeedo‘s engineering team, drives the yacht’s controllable-pitch propeller. This propeller is a significant advantage for an electric drivetrain, as its pitch and performance characteristics can be changed at the push of a button. This feature enables a seamless transition between sailing and motoring modes, ensuring the yacht is always ready for the conditions. Under power, the system delivers high torque and thrust and is optimized for efficiency. While sailing, the system minimizes drag for optimal sailing speed and performance or can be optimized for maximum renewable energy production.

Sustainable energy

In hydrogeneration mode, Deep Blue’s advanced algorithms continuously monitor and adjust performance several times per second, providing renewable, wind-powered energy production while minimizing impact on sailing speed. At 8kts sailing speed, the Deep Blue system generates enough power to maintain self-sufficiency.

With the integrated 22kW onboard charger, the system can be charged via shore power overnight. Two efficient, lightweight 45kW generators provide extended-range motoring of over 2,000 nautical miles. The generators can recharge the high-capacity battery bank in less than 1.5 hours and are fully sound-shielded, reducing noise on board by 50-75%.

Onboard systems

Deep Blue’s holistic energy management system not only generates green power while sailing but also manages, balances and delivers that energy to all the yacht’s onboard systems. All hotel battery banks, hydraulics and amenities are backed by the four Deep Blue Battery 40s that comprise the central 160kWh battery bank, minimizing generator run-time and delivering ample energy storage.

Silent motoring

The battery bank powers the emission-free propulsion system, and a 50kW Deep Blue motor keeps the yacht’s hydraulic systems pressurized, including the bow and stern thrusters, windlass and winches. The large battery bank also ensures plenty of power to enable silent living onboard for up to 12 hours. DC/DC converters ensure the yacht’s 24V electrical system and electronics are always online. Amenities that require a lot of power, such as the air conditioning, oven, watermaker, dishwasher and washing machine, are also integrated into the Deep Blue energy management infrastructure courtesy of a 22kW DC/AC inverter. These amenities provide the utmost comfort and convenience, while the Deep Blue system ensures their power consumption is efficiently monitored and managed. Torqeedo’s customized solutions team developed the technology on board the Swan 88 DreamCatcher.

“The Swan 88 is the culmination of three years of collaboration between Nautor Swan and Torqeedo’s customized solutions team. It proves that Deep Blue can achieve similar range and performance as a combustion engine-powered yacht and even be fully independent under good sailing conditions,” said Matthias Vogel, senior vice-president of the customized solutions business unit for Torqeedo.

“The multisensory experience of silent motoring, sailing and living onboard is unparalleled, and the Swan 88’s ability to travel 100% emission-free guarantees future access to nature reserves and other pristine, regulated waters where combustion-powered vessels may not be permitted. Nautor Swan is bringing something truly unique to the maxi yacht segment with DreamCatcher, and Torqeedo is honored to be their electrification partner.”

In related news, Torqeedo was recently commissioned by river cruise service provider Eichberger Schiffservice, to provide a fully integrated electric propulsion system for a demonstrator of a charter houseboat developed by Eichberger. Click here to read the full story.