The Dutch yacht builder Feadship has unveiled a new concept design at the Monaco Yacht Show. Not only is the yacht’s design innovative, but so is its propulsion system, which is based on Voith Schneider propellers.
Feadship unveiled “Hive”, its latest concept design, during the Monaco Yacht Show. At 115 m, “Hive” is reportedly the largest concept design Feadship has developed to date. The concept study takes a new approach, namely that life on board does not begin with a conventional layout of spaces, but with the people who use them.
With “Hive”, life on board is the starting point, it is said. A fictional family of four was created to give the concept a human context. The same principle was applied as with any fully bespoke yacht. This involves understanding how the owners live, what is important to them and how they wish to spend their time on board, before translating these needs into architecture, according to Feadship.
Open, spacious rooms
At the heart of “Hive” lies a large open space that spans four decks. On the main deck, it can become a spacious saloon, a stage or an auditorium, with terraces opening out to port and starboard. Curved staircases connect balconies and more intimate areas above, whilst service pantries, furniture storage and a backstage area make it possible to use the central space for everything from family life to performances, lectures and large gatherings.
Surrounding this communal heart, “Hive” offers a variety of distinct environments. A two-storey beach lounge leads to a dining area at waterline level for 24 or more people, whilst a circular, glazed library on the foredeck opens onto a secluded garden.
The owner’s deck features a 20-metre-long pool with Feadship’s patented Contra-Wave technology, which continues indoors as a floating infinity pool with a glass floor. An underwater lounge offers sweeping views beneath the water’s surface, whilst the observation lounge above features a retractable glass roof that allows an unobstructed view of the night sky
According to Feadship, technical feasibility is of fundamental importance to each of its concept designs. ‘Hive’ was therefore developed from the outset through collaboration between design, naval architecture and engineering, and utilises technologies that either already exist or are currently under active development.
Fuel cells reduce emissions
A DC electrical architecture combines three variable-speed permanent-magnet generators, each with an output of 900 kW and powered by HVO, with fuel cells and a 5 MWh battery storage system. For zero-emission operation, power can be supplied by seven 75-kW solid-oxide fuel cells or nine 250-kW PEM fuel cells in combination with a methanol reformer. The battery capacity is around five times that of the pioneering 1 MWh installation on the “Savannah”, whilst requiring a comparable amount of space for the battery compartment.
Voith-Schneider propellers deliver high-precision thrust without conventional rudders. According to the yacht builder, this technology – which has already proven itself on ferries and research vessels – offers exceptional manoeuvrability, is well-suited to dynamic positioning and operates at an exceptionally low noise level.
According to Feadship, the company has been looking beyond the conventions of its time with its concept designs since 2006, exploring how changing lifestyles, emerging technologies and new ideas might shape the yachts of the future. Ideas first explored as part of such studies have subsequently been incorporated into Feadship yachts, including hybrid propulsion systems, new structural applications of glass and alternative fuels, the company says.
