Tag Archives: crewedcatamaran

The Cool Cats: Exciting New Developments in Sustainable Catamaran Design

The catamaran fleet has long been admired for its stability, speed, and versatility with its unique multi-hull design. Today they are also hailed as being more sustainable than the conventional monohull. 

With so many builders in the industry pushing the boundaries on the multi-hull scene, a new wave of sustainable concepts is revolutionizing the industry. 

As soon as these concepts hit the water, we will offer them for charter on Boatbookings – check for them on our crewed charter catamarans.

Design elements: electrification, new materials, energy efficiency 

There are various factors that designers now take into account when launching new catamaran concepts and designs, with sustainability seemingly at the forefront. 

  • Electric propulsion: Transitioning from conventional fuel-powered engines to electric propulsion systems is a significant step in sustainability. Electric motors offer zero-emission operation, minimizing both air and water pollution. In addition to this, there have been advancements in battery technology to increase the range and efficiency. Scroll down to take more of a read on electric yachting in our previous post. 
    Oh, and they don’t stink of noxious fumes when you’re swimming near them!
  • Lightweight and eco-friendly materials: Utilising lightweight and eco-friendly materials reduces the catamaran’s weight and enables enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Flax fiber composites are one such material. Flax is a fibrous plant that for centuries has provided the basis for linen, and can be used instead of glass fiber. It is lighter than glass and requires 2-5 times less energy to produce.
  • Energy-efficiency: Catamaran design is now being optimized for reduced energy consumption. Through smart energy management systems, advanced multi-hull designs to reduce drag, and other factors such as LED lighting and the use of solar panels. 

Cool Cat Examples: 

We already have a range of electric crewed catamarans for you to choose from that are currently on the water, but below are some new concepts that have not yet splashed onto the charter market. We are very excited to see how these catamarans develop.

Alva yachts and their wings 

Alva Yachts has recently announced that the second yacht in its flagship 28-meter Ocean Eco 90 catamaran series has begun construction. The Ocean Eco 90 has a fully electric drive and hydrogen fuel cell. It will be powered by two performance electric motors connected to a 500 kWh battery pack, with power from solar panels. It will also be fitted with Gyro’s Oceanwings wind propulsion system. 

A Hybrid Launch by Rossinavi 

The Italian shipyard unveiled a new catamaran concept in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, called Oneiric. The 44-meter eco-friendly vessel has solar energy at its core with four modes of operation. The hybrid concept can be fully-electric for day trips and adjusted for multi-day cruises. Its transatlantic range can be 80% electric and in ‘hibernation’ mode to allow it to be self-sufficient when in port. 

Photo courtesy of Van Geest Design

The Domus concept 

At over 40 meters long, this radical concept was designed by Van Geest Design and Rob Doyle Design. The Domus concept claims to be the first truly zero-emissions yacht over 750 gross tonnes. The design is supported by hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogenation, and solar energy. It also boasts an unlimited range. We can’t wait until these designs are the norm. 

ModX 

Although on a smaller scale, these catamarans are nonetheless impressive. This 100% electric and renewable energy-driven catamaran is being launched this October. With a sleek and futuristic design, Mod X focuses on sustainability and efficiency, incorporating lightweight materials and eco-friendly systems. 

These concepts are only a few of the new designs being announced daily. Highlighting the fact that catamaran design harnesses innovative technologies, materials, and design principles to minimize their environmental impact and carbon emissions without compromising on performance and luxury. Contact the Boatbookings team if you want to be part of leading the change on green chartering today.

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3D Yacht Printing: The Antidote to Wasteful Yacht Building?

Yes, you can now 3D print a yacht!

Sustainable yacht building has become a pressing issue in recent years. How to build faster, cleaner and with more customization, with less environmental impact, are the big questions. 3D printing could provide the answer.

3D printing in the yacht industry 

Recent months have seen the launch of some innovative concepts that have utilized 3D printing for more sustainable yacht building. Once dismissed as a method for simply designing prototypes, today the pioneers of this cutting-edge technology are now printing boat parts and even whole boats. 

3D printing offers many advantages. You can simply print a new boat or part once, test it, and if it’s not perfect, redo it on the spot instead of redoing the entire mold, which costs money and takes a lot of time. You can experiment at will. You can build to order very quickly. And it’s much faster to go from idea to working concept. While 3D printing has been around for years, it’s now getting to the point where the printers are big enough to actually print a boat. You can learn more about 3D yacht printing in this excellent Boat International article.

How is it more sustainable? 

The traditional manufacturing processes are often extremely wasteful because it normally uses 100% new materials. But what if you could literally melt a yacht down and start again? The Dutch boat builder, Impacd Boats, is already doing just that, with their boats made of recycled plastics. Similarly, the innovative start-up Tanaruz Boat has begun orders of their 3D-printed customizable boats built from reusable polymers. 

The ability to reduce waste and the flexibility of materials that can be used through 3D printing is incredible. For example, recycled materials that reduce the environmental impact of build even further. 

The future

When it comes to sustainable yacht building, 3D technology provides so many advantages that we believe it will become a standard method of building yachts. Combined with the use of recycled materials, 3D printing saves shipyards wastage, energy, and time compared to conventional construction. These innovative technological leaps in 3D printing toward our sustainable future will continue to transform the industry.  

The team at Boatbookings is always looking for ways to reduce our impact. It is so inspiring to see this type of technology being used that has the potential to revolutionize sustainable yachting, helping us move towards a greener future for our charter fleet. We love to explore the technology of the future, especially when it will help progress the industry’s green credentials. 

If you are interested in any of our environmentally-friendly crewed catamaran charters, contact the Boatbookings team today to discuss further. 

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The Sunreef Eco – The Greenest Luxury Charter Catamaran Yet?

The stunning, sustainable and green Sunreef E Supercat
The stunning Sunreef E Supercat

At Boatbookings, we are continually striving to get more of our charter guests on greener crewed catamaran charters – because many guests are finding that luxury with less impact on the earth is the best type of luxury. We partner closely with pioneering sustainable boatbuilding companies such as Sunreef. to assure that we can find you the greenest alternatives.

The innovative Sunreef Eco 

Sunreef showcases a bold vision for sustainability in their Sunreef Eco line of catamarans. One of our favorites and most popular is the E Supercat, Sunreef 60 now available for charter in the Virgin Islands in Winter and Sardinia in Summer. So, what innovations make them greener (and essentially silent!)?

Solar Energy combined with battery storage and electric propulsion 

Firstly, Sunreef is at the forefront of electric energy with its all-electric Sunreef Eco models. The models generate renewable energy through a combination of electric propulsion, battery storage, and solar energy while utilizing smart energy management throughout the catamarans. This offers the most relaxing charter onboard with silent, vibration, and fume-free cruising, as well as less maintenance required and huge fuel-saving benefits. Imagine not having to pay for fuel for your charter!

Sunreed Eco 60 integrated Solar Panels
Sunreed Eco 60 “Solar Skin” integrated Solar Panels (photo courtesy of Sunreef)

New Composite Solar Technology 

Powered by renewable energy, the Sunreef Eco models also feature an advanced solar skin system that consists of ultralight solar cells. It is the world’s first composite integrated solar panel system. So while sunbathing on the deck of your crewed catamaran, the boat is also soaking up the rays for cleaner and greener catamaran energy to power your trip.

Naturally-sourced, recyclable materials 

Sunreef provides access to a wide selection of ethically-sourced and eco-responsible materials. The decor uses these greener materials without any compromise on luxury. Both the exterior and interior materials are sourced ethically, including sustainable decking solutions such as their fully-recyclable alternative to traditional teak. For their sailing catamarans, they also ensure the sails are fully-recyclable. Each model showcases not only greener choices but maintains that luxurious element of a crewed charter for your ultimate comfort.

We love Sunreef’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, and we already feature a range of Sunreef crewed catamarans for greener chartering. Many more are coming – watch this space! For more information on chartering a crewed Sunreef catamaran this year, please get in touch with the unequaled and sustainability-obsessed Boatbookings team.

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