Arc-Lite Power, a company specializing in hybrid marine power, has acquired Knight & Carver Maritime. While the San Diego-based shipyard will continue to focus on megayacht refit and repair, the acquisition will bolster its “green” offerings.
Arc Lite Power, also based in San Diego, is investing $30 million in Knight & Carver. Arc Lite Power and its sister company, EnergyTech Marine, both offer hybrid power systems for repowers as well as new builds. In fact, EnergyTech Marine received the Environmental Award at last year’s IBEX Innovation Awards competition, for its PowerCore system. The judges voted it a “game changer,” adding, “The real genius of the PowerCore Hybrid-Ion Energy Propulsion System is in the electrical management that automatically handles charging and balancing while underway. Not just an electric motor with lithium-ion batteries, this hybrid drive system is the only complete end-to-end commercial-grade hybrid energy and propulsion system for marine vessels.”
EnergyTech Marine and Knight & Carver have actually already worked with each other. In 2007 the 83 HD-X, pictured above, launched from the shipyard. An 83-footer, the yacht combines sail, diesel-electric, lithium-ion-battery, and jet-drive propulsion. One aspect of the hybrid system: A regeneration package charges under sail by twin hydro-electric turbines.
Knight & Carver will now reportedly be the world’s first global hybrid superyacht conversion and certification center. Furthermore, it will house manufacturing for Arc Lite Power’s propulsion systems as well as 83 HD-X yachts.
Joseph Montello
John an Mary Knight were friends of my parents , if I’m contacting the wrong office for Mary Knight … Just let me know ,
Joseph Montello
Omar Jesus Garcia
I helped build the m80 for the navy under knight and carve