An expedition cruise ship including wind and battery power has been designed
A cruise ship that uses wind power propulsion has been designed.
Knud E Hansen designed a sail-assisted cruise vessel that can accommodate up to 100 passengers and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles. This design is aimed at the small and medium-sized expedition cruise market.
The combination of low-sulphur diesel and wind power exceeds the requirements for emission control areas and all forthcoming IMO regulations. The vessel also includes a large battery bank to allow for zero emissions in ports and specially protected areas.
The vessel features a modern rig, designed by Detlev Loell Ingenieurburo, comprised of three free-standing masts, each with a fully-battened main sail with adjustable trailing-edge flaps for optimising lift. The total sail area, which includes a single head sail on the forward mast, is 1,910 m2. “The sails are computer-operated and are designed to provide peak performance, even in light winds,” said a statement.
“The formidable rig design, combined with four diesel-electric engines, will allow the vessel to cruise at 15 knots in most operating conditions. The twin-screw arrangement and pair of tunnel thrusters forward allow for superior maneuverability in small ports and anchorages. Active fin stabilisers limit the vessel’s heel to six degrees in sail-assisted mode, to ensure passenger comfort in typical operating conditions.”
The accommodation decks include 46 passenger cabins and 2 deluxe cabins. All cabins are located outboard with ocean views, and many have private balconies. Located in the hull is a sea lounge with underwater windows for viewing marine life.
On the second deck is a large tender garage with capacity for multiple rigid inflatables, jet skis, diving gear and other recreational equipment, and ROV camera equipment for observing underwater environments at a maximum depth of 3,000 m.
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