All the talk about reducing one’s carbon footprint isn’t just chatter, it’s a necessity. One big reason: new emissions rules from the IMO going into effect in 2016. While diesel-engine manufacturers say exhaust gases could be treated to ensure all vessels, including yachts, comply, Wärtsillä believes there’s a better way. It’s liquid natural gas (LNG), long in use in the commercial sector. And both Fincantieri and Pastrovich Studio agree. That’s why the three companies are promoting the superyacht seen here, the Xvintage yacht concept, featuring the dual fuels of LNG and diesel.
Specifically, the new IMO rules, referred to as Tier III rules, will reduce allowable emissions from diesel engines. It’s a drastic change, 60 percent lower than current permissible NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions. While the rule will apply to yachts and other vessels in designated Emission Control Areas, these already include the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and U.S. coastal waters. Other regions are expected to adopt the regulation, too, such as the Med and Australia.
LNG offers several benefits. Wärtsilä says it permits an 85-percent reduction in NOx emissions in comparison to diesel. It also reduces carbon monoxide by 25 percent. In addition, since natural gas contains no sulfur and has no residuals, LNG eliminates sulfur-oxide emissions and soot, respectively. It’s proven technology, too. Wärtsilä introduced the first dual-fuel engine in 1995, and since that time its dual-fuel powerplants have surpassed 3 million running hours.
Since LNG storage tanks are more voluminous than traditional diesel tanks, only large megayachts make the most sense to feature the technology. Fincantieri’s offshore division has built LNG-powered ships previously, and its yachting division has the engineering know-how from an LOA standpoint. As for Pastrovich Studio, its principal, Stefano Pastrovich, has extensively studied environmentally friendly designs.
The Xvintage yacht concept is a 99-meter (325-foot) design, bearing a 50’8” (15.5-meter) beam. Pastrovich Studio contributed the exterior styling and interior design. Pastrovich says the general arrangement is ultimately open to an owner’s ideas, though he believes the use of teak both outside and inside will appeal. This, along with other natural materials like bamboo and linen, are on loose furnishings throughout the open main deck and all relaxation areas. Pastrovich further specified horizontal windows to enhance the connection with the environment.
Several creature comforts make the Xvintage yacht proposal stand out further. When the flotilla of watertoys, including a catamaran, are off deck, a sizable beach club remains. Making it even larger are extendable hull sections to each side. Another notable feature here: The overhead of the interior garage slides out aft, providing shade.
While Trinity Yachts is also studying dual-fuel megayacht designs, Xvintage is the first proposal for the public to see. This virtual-reality video gives you a better sense of Xvintage’s features. Take note of her J-frame cranes aft, which launch the toys. Pastrovich says the setup is not just stable, but also a time-saver, especially for crew.
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