Hybrids are hot! Heesen sells 164-foot/ 50-meter Project Electra
Project Electra is the second hybrid yacht in Heesen’s 5000 aluminium class series. She is 164-feet (50 meters) in length, under 500GT and has a shallow draft. Her hybrid propulsion system, which combines diesel and electric propulsion, offers flexibility in power management, improved performance, and a nearly silent ride with zero vibrations. Electra also delivers fuel efficiency thanks to her FDHF hull, devised by Dutch hydrodynamicists van Oossanen Naval Architects.
Project Electra follows on the heels of M/Y Home which received several international accolades recognizing her innovative eco-friendly hybrid solution, including the Rina Green award presented by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco.
Compared to a traditional diesel engine arrangement, the hybrid power and propulsion system is quieter and more fuel-efficient. In addition, it offers the benefit of significant cost-reductions and flexible power management, due to its four different cruising modes:
- Hybrid mode: up to 9 knots at noise levels of just 46dB, equivalent to soft rain! Two water-cooled DC electric shaft motors of 127kW each quietly power the yacht. The benefits are silent cruising and higher maneuverability in close quarters.
- Economic Mode: 9-12 knots with main engines on and generators off. Ideal for longer passages, the economic mode comes with few interesting perks – frugal fuel consumption (at 12 knots the yacht burns just 25.8 gallons (98 liters) per hour) and extended generator service life.
- Cruising Mode: 12-15 knots. This is the traditional mode, where the diesel engines drive the yacht’s propellers and the generators provide the hotel load.
- Boost Mode: to achieve the max speed 16.3 knots, the generator-powered shaft motors are brought into service alongside the main engines to give an extra kick of power.
Dutch designer Frank Laupman of Omega Architects has created a highly contemporary exterior. Electra’s radical profile with a nearly vertical bow perfectly blends aesthetics with functionality. The vertical bow with spray rails is not only on-trend, it also serves a practical purpose by providing progressive buoyancy when carving through waves. The distinctive bow shape also means the crew accommodation can be set further forward.
Twelve guests are accommodated in five lower deck suites and a master stateroom on the main deck forward. The interior design by Cristiano Gatto emphasizes the indoor-outdoor connection by way of deep and low furniture. floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic vistas.
Project Electra’s new ownersenlisted Monegasque boutique Sabrina Monte-Carlo to assist with the decoration and detailing of their yacht. A contemporary style and light color palette has been specified for the selection of designer loose furniture and top tier fabrics, alongside the finest linen and ‘art de la table’.
Project Electra is scheduled for delivery at the end of April following sea trials in the North Sea.
