In 2014, the management team of Amer Yachts asked itself a good question: What could a megayacht builder do to make its clients more aware of the need to reduce emissions and fuel consumption? The answer: develop a megayacht model with a propulsion package proven to be more efficient, and with accommodations that others cannot rival. The result: the Amer 94, the latest of which is christened Save the Sea.
The Amer 94 was designed around the Volvo Penta IPS system, employing three IPS 1200 engines. Boasting 900 hp, the IPS 1200 is the most powerful IPS engine offering. (IPS was originally introduced in 2005, but until recently did not include high-horsepower options like the 1200.) IPS is renowned for its fuel-consumption, emissions, and handling advantages. Generally speaking, IPS reduces fuel consumption by 30 percent versus traditional inboard diesels paired with planing hulls, for example, plus reduces carbon dioxide emissions by the same amount. It boosts range by about 40 percent and top speed by 20 percent.
Specific to Save the Sea, Amer Yachts says studies have revealed a few important things. First, she can go twice as fast as a same-size, typical displacement yacht yet burn the same amount of fuel as that yacht does at its top speed. Second, the sound and vibration levels will be lower. (Amer Yachts has not revealed the figures for any of these studies.)
To be clear, the Amer 94 is not the first “small” megayacht to employ IPS. Lazzara Yachts used the package on its LSX 92 in 2008. Rather, Save the Sea is reportedly the first Med-built megayacht exceeding 90 feet to feature the Volvo Penta engines. And, of course, as stated above, she has the 1200 model powerplants.
Due to the IPS 1200 engines being smaller than traditional diesels, the Amer 94 gains a good amount of usable space. The yacht therefore has a five-stateroom configuration. We don’t yet have images or illustrations of the layout. Regardless, guests will get use of a special tender by the brand Extender. What makes it special? It’s a foldable rubber and fiberglass tender, a 17-footer occupying about 11 feet. It reportedly folds in about two minutes, too.
Save the Sea will be exhibited at a number of boat shows starting this fall. She’ll debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, then head to the Genoa show in October and Qatar in November.
In the meantime, Amer Yachts is continuing to research efficient propulsion options. It’s considering a quadruple IPS installation, for example, perhaps for larger megayachts. All-electric propulsion is additionally being evaluated.
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