A solar-powered yacht that claims to be virtually silent as it cruises is on the market for $1.54 million - here's a look inside
Austrian shipyard Silent Yachts unveiled a new solar-powered catamaran at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.
The 55-foot vessel is lined with 30 solar panels that reach 10 kilowatts each.
The panels use maximum power point tracking solar charge regulators and lithium batteries. An inverter provides power to other necessities like air conditioning and lighting in the cabins.
Source: Silent Yachts, Robb Report
The catamaran was designed to have zero emissions and to cruise up to 100 miles per day.
Source: Silent Yachts
In addition to its eco-friendly features, the vessel also has lavish amenities.
Source: Silent Yachts
There are multiple spots to lounge, including trampoline-like netting along the bow of the boat.
Source: Silent Yachts
The Silent 55 represents "an entirely new dynamic in yachting," Silent Yachts president and founder, Michael Kohler said in a press release. Boaters are striving to be more eco-friendly but are unwilling to sacrifice luxury.
Source: Silent Yachts
The "new dynamic" in yachting that Kohler references has particularly taken off in 2019.
Business Insider previously reported that a model for the first hydrogen-powered yacht was unveiled in September by Sinot, a Dutch yacht-design company. The concept is similar to that of the Silent 55, albeit on a larger scale. The 367-foot vessel will be completely powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel-cell technology. Its only emission will be water.
The idea of alternative sources powering luxury vessels extends from yachts to cruises: The world's first hybrid cruise ship is currently on its maiden voyage to Antarctica. The MS Roald Amundsen runs on low sulfur diesel fuel supported by battery packs, cutting cruise ship emissions by 20%.
Increased attention to sustainability and conservation in the luxury travel sector play into the larger trend of "transformational travel." Ultimately, the ultrawealthy want to leave their vacation with a transformative, emotional experience to bring home, and in some cases, want to make a positive impact on the places they visit.
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