Huisfit is offering a wide range of green solutions to reduce the use of energy.

Are you sailing a superyacht with 20th century technology? And keen to embrace all the latest hybrid technology benefits? A conversion by Huisfit from conventional to hybrid is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation.

Hybrid delivers exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, together with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy. As an example of its practical application, this hybrid system offers the potential of navigation in ‘zero emission’ zones.

Royal Huisman is the shipyard that pioneered hybrid propulsion with the game-changing ketch Ethereal, the world’s first hybrid superyacht, delivered in 2009) and has continued to refine its technological lead with the ‘NextGEN’ ketch Elfje and some remarkable projects including the hybrid conversion (by Huisfit)

ZERO EMISSION ZONES

Exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits.

The 44m / 143ft Royal Huisman cruising ketch Juliet was launched in 1993 and is a fine example of pioneering, custom-built technologies in late 20th century yacht building. With nearly a quarter million of ocean miles under her keel, she still looks and sails like a dream. Technologies have, of course, evolved rapidly. Hybrid propulsion and power generation systems are delivering exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits.

As an example of its practical application, this hybrid system offers the potential of navigation in ‘zero emission’ zones. Recognising that they, too, can enjoy these enhancements to their cruising lifestyle, the owners have booked a hybrid conversion for Juliet at Huisfit.

The centrepiece of Juliet’s hybrid conversion is a new gearbox, paired with a sophisticated electric motor/generator. This facilitates direct electric propulsion, either generated by the main engine or drawn from the new, high performance battery bank or generator.

Conventional shaft drive from the engine remains an option as well. The system enables the main engine to meet the yacht’s ‘hotel load’ requirements by means of the electric motor/ generator, whilst the power management set-up also provides additional silent options via the advanced battery bank.

“The hybrid system has been a great upgrade, decreasing fuel consumption while increasing redundancy for propulsion, maneuvering, and electrical distribution. We were amazed on the initial sea trials when it became clear that the hybrid system was fully operational and only required parameter adjustments.”

CAPTAIN OF JULIET, JONATHAN ALLAN

With the main engine becoming the primary source of power generation, the system is configured to deliver peak shaving from the battery bank – for example during sail hoisting and maneuvering. The thrusters are electrically rather than hydraulically propelled. The same battery bank will enable ‘silent ship’ operation, including air-conditioning and hotel load consumers. 

Under sail, electrical power will be generated by the propeller’s rotation – answering every sailor’s dream to hoist the sails, capture the wind and silence ‘that noisy and smelly engine’. Rapid recharging of the battery bank is provided by the electric motor/generator driven by the main engine or generator. At anchor, battery power replaces the gensets as the main power supply, eliminating the noise and atmospheric pollution that can detract from the harmony of pristine anchorages.

All of the above will ensure a much reduced requirement for the main generators in their traditional role. They will offer a high level of redundancy, both for the propulsion via the diesel-electric system, and as an alternative source of electrical power generation. In the latter role, the main engine’s generator would typically be the first choice for the recharging of the batteries after hours of zero emission mode.

Huisfit is offering a number of smart hybrid upgrade solutions to have all the latest technology benefits and reduce the use of energy: the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation.

CAPTAIN’S REVIEW OF HYBRID BY HUISFIT

The decision to modernise Foftein, a 30m / 99ft Royal Huisman cutter (1999) with a 20-year-old propulsion and energy system was rooted in several fundamental considerations. Her captain Tim Jones explains all about his onboard experiences with the new setup and tells of the benefits for her owner and all onboard.” 

Read more at huisfit.com

HUISFIT by Royal Huisman

Expertise a la carte

The Huisfit process brings together the exceptional infrastructure, technology and inhouse skills of Royal Huisman and sister company Rondal, with leading industry and specialists to provide a bespoke solution for every refit, rebuild and renewal project. All in one competitively tailored package. A detailed overview of these comprehensive skills and potential solutions – expertise à la carte – can be found at huisfit.com