Imagine cruising some of the world’s most extreme waters, including ice-laden ones, aboard a yacht that adheres to some of the strictest environmental regulations governing many types of vessels. That’s the vision behind PJ World, the 82-meter (267-foot) megayacht from Palmer Johnson, with an anticipated delivery date in summer 2010.
Why such an aggressively different style of superyacht from the builder that’s made a name with super-sleek Nuvolari-Lenard designs? PJ World still represents collaboration with the Italian design team, but she’s intended to emphasize her intrepid-cruising purpose, capable of venturing 6,500 nautical miles at 16 knots (16.5 is the anticipated top speed). She’s also intended to emphasize the experience of the Norwegian shipyard where Palmer Johnson is building her. Flekkefjord Slipp & Maskinfabrikk, founded in 1985 and with roots dating back to 1912, was acquired through bankruptcy proceedings last year. The yard had built seismic, research, and exploration vessels, all of which venture out in sometimes challenging conditions, need to be self-sufficient, and particularly need to be respectful of the environments in which they’re working.
With regard to being environmentally sensitive, PJ World is designed to comply with Det Norske Veritas’ (DNV) Clean classification notation. Introduced in January 2000, Clean notation means a vessel’s owner and operator have chosen to comply with stricter limitations on air emissions and sea discharges. Among other things, the restrictions govern the use of refrigerants and TBT-based antifouling paint, specify how sewage and other waste water gets treated onboard, and regulates combustion-machinery emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides.
A specific example of a system related to environmental impact is the diesel-electric propulsion package from Rolls Royce. Diesel-electric offers a lot of operational advantages, such as allowing the engines to shoulder all the power necessary for both propulsion and “hotel load” (lights, stereos, etc.) without the use of the gensets. But diesel-electric additionally operates more efficiently than straight-up diesel engines, therefore requiring less installed power and reducing running costs. In combination with PJ World’s hull design, it will further reduce loss of speed in head seas. And, in combination with the thrusters, the propulsion system will be put to use as a Dynamic Positioning system, keeping PJ World “anchored” in environmentally sensitive or restricted areas without actual anchors or lines.
Of course, being a proper megayacht, PJ World will also cater to creature comforts. Here’s where Palmer Johnson’s and Nuvolari-Lenard’s skills should really shine. The six-deck yacht will have abundant of open spaces and offer panoramic views from some rooms, the master suite being one of them. Occupying the fourth through sixth decks forward, it comprises a balcony forward of the bedroom suite, plus a walk-in dressing room, separate business and private lounges, an office, and a Jacuzzi sundeck.
The yacht overall has a decided emphasis on rest and relaxation, with a gym, a spa featuring a Hammam (Turkish bath), and a sauna with a treatment room.(Hopefully it will never be needed, but PJ World will also be equipped with a sickbay.) Add to this a piano foyer and a private theater, an aft “beach house” overlooking a swimming pool deck just forward, an an optional garage designed for a six-person Discovery submarine, and PJ World should keep even the most restless owner and guests occupied.
Even the crew is intended to be well cared for. The maximum of 27 personnel get a dedicated gym, two lounges, and a separate galley, along with a combination of single-, double-, and triple-berth cabins. For their safety and security as well as that of the owner and guests in their care, PJ World will put at their disposal thermal imaging, forward-scanning sonar, water cannons, closed-circuit TVs, and acoustic shields.
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