The 44m / 143ft Royal Huisman world cruising ketch 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. Juliet returned to Royal Huisman for Huisfit, the shipyard’s refit services, in Amsterdam, to “go green” and become future-proof, by embracing all the latest hybrid technology benefits.
Juliet’s re-launch just before the summer marks a noteworthy step closer to delivery. Soon, her Owners can enjoy the exceptional lifestyle and environmental benefits of hybrid sailing, including silent operation, zero emissions, peak-shaving, shaft-generated power under sail and reduced fuel consumption, combined with enhanced operational flexibility and redundancy.
Royal Huisman is the shipyard that pioneered hybrid propulsion with the game-changing 58m / 190ft ketch Ethereal (the world’s first hybrid superyacht, delivered in 2009) and has continued to refine its technological lead with the 52m / 172ft ‘NextGEN’ ketch Elfje and some remarkable projects including the hybrid conversion (by Huisfit) of an undisclosed 30m / 99ft cutter.
The centerpiece of Juliet’s hybrid conversion is a new gearbox, aligned with a sophisticated new electric motor/generator. This facilitates indirect electric propulsion, either generated by the main engine or drawn from the new, high performance battery bank or generator. Conventional shaft drive directly 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.
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 re-charging 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 green solutions to reduce the use of energy onboard superyachts with 20th century technology. A conversion by Huisfit in Amsterdam – from conventional to hybrid – is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation”.
Hybrid conversions by Huisfit provide quality yachts of Juliet’s era with a lasting new lease of life, and the shipyard team sees an increasing interest in these conversions. Not only do Owners and captains fully appreciate the benefits of enhanced quality of life aboard but also – by anticipating the requirements of future worldwide environmental regulations – they also see a wise investment in making a fine yacht future-proof.
“Huisfit is offering a number of smart green solutions to reduce the use of energy onboard superyachts with 20th century technology. A conversion by Huisfit in Amsterdam – from conventional to hybrid – is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation,” says Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “The Huisfit approach brings together our exceptional infrastructure, technology and skills, with leading industry specialists to provide a bespoke solution for every refit, rebuild and renewal project in one tailored package.
Juliet re-launched following hybrid conversion by Huisfit
