Come next summer, ISA plans to deliver this 140-foot (43.63-meter) megayacht, its first featuring all-fiberglass construction as well as a hybrid propulsion system developed by Siemens.
There are several well-known benefits to hybrid propulsion, such as lower fuel burn, quieter atmosphere onboard, and lower emissions, without compromising speed or performance. Hybrid propulsion can involve batteries and/or gensets in addition to traditional diesel engines. For the ISA 140, ISA has selected two gensets powering electric motors in addition to the diesels, each set of which can operate with a single pair of Rolls Royce waterjets. For times when the owner wishes to travel close to the anticipated 32-knot top end and 26-knot cruise, the ISA 140 megayacht will operate solely on traditional power. For maneuvering slowly, up to 8 knots, the captain will engage the electric motors. Of course, the hybrid system also serves as a redundant source of propulsion, should something go wrong. The shaft gensets for the electric motors can turn the props if the main engines fail.
If the owner is particularly concerned about fuel consumption, or the megayacht is in an environmentally sensitive area, it’s easy to imagine the electric motors will be used often. ISA expects a fuel burn of only 2.9 gallons per hour (11 liters per hour) at 8 knots when they are the sole source of propulsion. ISA also expects fuel consumption at the best cruise under diesel power to be miserly, just 23.78 gallons per hour (90 liters per hour) and range to be 2,600 nautical miles.
While full details on the interior design aren’t available yet, the five-stateroom layout of the ISA 140 will be designed by Nuvolari-Lenard. Expect customary indoor and outdoor spaces like a saloon, sundeck, and beach club (above).
On a related note, this isn’t the first time a megayacht builder—ISA included—has collaborated with Siemens. Kingship, Wally, and Wider Yachts have all either launched or plan construction on megayachts featuring Siemens hybrid systems. While it hasn’t built a megayacht with Siemens yet, Trinity Yachts is more than familiar with the offerings, as its sister company, TY Offshore, has worked with Siemens on commercial and/or military vessels. As for ISA, it aimed for zero emissions in presenting the ISA 390 Zero concept back in 2009.
David J. Matyczynski
I would like to see this mega yacht as an 8 at the most or 6 stateroom vessel with an infinity pool….