The yachting industry is increasingly witnessing transformative designs seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. Feadship, a name synonymous with elite maritime luxury, has again captured the industry's attention with the launch of the 84.20-meter Obsidian, setting a new benchmark in the drive towards carbon-neutral super yachting by 2030.
Obsidian's inception comes with an impressive legacy. Commissioned to be even more energy efficient than Feadship's 2015 marvel, Savannah, Obsidian's design challenge was to reduce environmental impact by over 30% despite the looming challenges of a global pandemic. While a significant feat, the 12-month design period was marked by another major milestone: it was accomplished without in-person collaboration due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.
However, adversity often acts as a catalyst for innovation. This was evident when Bram Jongepier, Feadship De Voogt Naval Architects's Senior Designer, introduced the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI). A sustainable masterstroke, YETI meticulously maps out the carbon footprint and environmental impact of every component and operation on a yacht. It has ushered in an era where the holistic environmental impact – from CO2 emissions to materials like steel, aluminum, and teak – is assessed using life cycle assessments (LCA).
The yachting community's emphasis has undeniably shifted to understanding environmental implications, and the 'measure to manage' philosophy underpinning YETI stands testament to that. By making this data freely accessible to the Water-Revolution Foundation's signatories, Feadship has upped the game and nurtured a collaborative environment for the entire industry. The Joint Industry Project, boosted by YETI, brings together 20 yachting industry titans to further this collective goal of sustainability.
Obsidian itself is a masterclass in sustainable innovation. With an Advanced Electrical Drive, it boasts 4.5 times the electrical storage of Savannah, eliminating the need for drive shafts and rudders. Instead, Veth's contra-rotating thrusters come into play, emphasizing efficiency while mitigating vibration. A substantial 4.5 MWh battery bank and a remarkable 1,000-volt DC system power the yacht, enabling a 35 nm cruise at 10 knots purely on battery power.
Yet, Feadship's vision goes beyond propulsion. With the help of the YETI tool, the team identified that a significant portion of the energy used was dedicated to onboard luxuries like air conditioning, lighting, and entertainment systems. A multi-pronged approach that captures waste heat for other energy needs was developed, leading to unparalleled energy savings.
Externally, Obsidian dazzles with its low, streamlined hull, further reducing drag and ensuring optimum cruising efficiency. But it's the interior that truly reflects the audacious innovation. Crafted by British firms RWD and MONK Design, the interior eschews tradition with its non-rectangular rooms, hidden staircases, and the pièce de résistance - the Aqua Lounge, offering breathtaking underwater views.
Such is the brilliance of Obsidian that even its tenders are electric-powered, a nod to the overarching theme of carbon reduction.
The yachting world has often been viewed through a lens of opulence and grandeur. With the likes of Obsidian making waves, the narrative is evolving to one of responsible luxury.
For readers intrigued by this breathtaking fusion of luxury and sustainability, subscribe to NAVIS Magazine's digital edition. Dive deeper into the world of elite yachting, where innovation and opulence sail hand in hand. Be a part of the journey; be a part of the future.
Join us. Witness luxury redefined.
