The team at Amels and Damen Yachting has signed a new 72m (236ft) custom project to be built under its Damen Yachting brand. Scheduled for delivery in 2024, the rugged, ocean-going vessel features hybrid propulsion for zero-emission cruising and accommodation for 12 guests and up to 24 crew including staff and specialists.
The owner has selected Michael Leach Design to enhance the vessel’s exterior styling along with the owner’s interior. Damen Yachting’s in-house team has developed the one-off custom naval architecture and engineering for the 1,440GT motor yacht, which will be powered by a highly efficient power and propulsion configuration.
In addition to the two main engines, she will have PTO/PTI hybrid electrical drives suitable for running up to eight knots. Stored power can be increased with containerised battery packs for extended zero-emission silent cruising in fragile marine systems, while on-board battery power will cater for normal use including silent nights at anchor without generator power. All outdoor spaces will be finished in synthetic teak decking as a more sustainable, durable and low-maintenance alternative.
Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting, said: “This hybrid expedition vessel is an absolutely unique project. It has been very exciting for us to bring the owner’s very unique vision to reality.
“We are dedicated to developing more efficient propulsion and power management solutions for our clients, which are underpinned by an environmentally sensitive mind-set. We are proud to be at the forefront of a new breed of luxury expedition vessels and this highly innovative new project embodies this approach.”
Burgess New Construction has been appointed to project manage the build, after the global brokerage house’s sales team represented the owner during the purchase process.
Edmund Beckett of Burgess New Construction said: “This project perfectly represents the seamless teamwork between the sales and new construction team within Burgess. We are very proud and excited to continue this journey with the owner, Damen Yachting and Michael Leach Design.”
Large, flexible outdoor spaces can be open or covered, and provide tender and toy storage. The deck can also accommodate modular equipment including a deck swimming pool and removable battery bank. Features include a dedicated owner’s deck, touch-and-go helipad, and powerful deck crane that can deploy equipment up to 14 tonnes including a 13m RIB, 9m utility craft and a car.
The project will be completed entirely at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen facility in the Netherlands. The steel hull will be constructed in cooperation with sister company Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.
Jan van Hogerwou, Commercial Executive of Damen Yachting, said: “We have been able to apply many of the sustainable technologies that the Damen Shipyards Group has developed for a wide variety of maritime applications.
“But first and foremost, she is purpose-built for comfort, reliability and performance for an owner with the goal of taking the utmost advantage of these qualities to explore new places in some of the most challenging waters in the world.”