2020 will be the year of hybrid yachts: after Volvo Penta a few months ago unveiled a hybrid prototype for its IPS propulsion system, British luxury yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International and Rolls-Royce have decided to introduce the first yacht equipped with a hybrid propulsion system MTU of series production in 2020.
The new system will be presented soon at the Boot Düsseldorf boat show (January 19/27).
Nearly 4,000 horsepower on the first production hybrid
The new Sunseeker yacht Will have an integrated hybrid MTU propulsion system. Almost a total of 4000 horsepower arising from two 12-cylinder MTU 2000 series diesel engines (each with an output of about 1,432 kW / 1,947 hp), on-board generators, electric propulsion modules, transmission system, batteries, control and monitoring systems, and can be expanded on a modular basis.
The yacht will be equipped with six different easy-to-use operating modes, including automated “smart hybrid” and “charge hybrid” modes, which allow all power sources to be used as needed. In an “electric mode,” yacht propulsion and electricity on board can be continuously provided by generators, optimizing fuel consumption and comfort on board for long, overnight passages.
In “silent mode,” which uses power exclusively from batteries, up to 40 minutes of propulsion and 120 minutes of on-board power are available with each pair of MTU batteries installed, with no emissions.
“This latest hybrid technology,” explained Sean Robertson by Sunseeker – will feature a brand new model to be launched in 2020 and will allow owners to choose from multiple modes of operation from the all-electric, zero-emission solution to the use of the two 12-cylinder diesel engines that offer class-leading performance.”
“The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries and their variable application areas, offers yacht owners significant benefits,” said Knut Müller, head of MTU’s marine and government operations. “Quiet cruising, with low levels of vibration and emissions, offers enormous advantages in terms of comfort on board. High levels of performance, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and propulsion system flexibility are of great interest today when operating a yacht. We believe that in the future of yachting, the focus will increasingly be on intelligent and innovative solutions, rather than focusing only on power levels.”
