Concerns over global warming, fluctuating fuel prices and the plight of the oceans have sparked a growing interest among large yacht owners, captains, shipyards and designers in developing more eco-friendly and efficient superyachts. Dockwalk’s October 2009 issue provides a special focus on green trends in yacht propulsion and operation.
Today, on Dockwalk.com, we begin a week-long companion series of Hot Topics on intriguing new green yacht projects from “A” (Arcadia Yachts 85) to “Z” (Zero CO2).
Arcadia Yachts is the first shipyard we’re aware of that was actually conceived to produce environmentally friendly yachts from the very beginning. The brand new yard was established by the TRE-TI Group with a capital investment of 30 million euros near Naples, Italy. Hull No. 1 is scheduled to launch in December 2009 – the 25.9M Arcadia 85 motor yacht.
“We believe that luxury consumers always care more about social ethics and environment and so [are guided by their] responsibilities in choosing any kind of product that the market offers,” says Arcadia’s Daniele Coretti. “After this global crisis, it is absolutely necessary to follow clients’ requirements to look…for ethical products respectful of the environment and also respectful of their wallet.”
The new Arcadia 85 will feature several advanced, energy-efficient technologies, including solar panels with photovoltaic cells capable of supplementing the house batteries with four kW of electricity. The panels, which incorporate Schüco “double-glazing” glass to reduce heat, are supported by a stainless steel superstructure. “We are the first shipyard to introduce standard solar panels that produce considerable power,” Coretti says. “The sliding sunshade system by Ocean Air [allows] the brightness to be regulated and, when necessary, permits privacy.” Black and graywater treatment systems also are standard, which is highly unusual on a yacht in this size range.
While environmental technology is a focus for Arcadia Yachts, Coretti is quick to point out the project also emphasizes traditional luxury yacht appointments. The contemporary interior design, which he describes as “Italian Style,” will be distinguished by Poltrona Frau Group furnishings. A variety of layouts are offered for the lower deck, including a five-stateroom plan and a four-stateroom version with full-beam master suite. Two crew cabins, each with ensuite head, are located forward and are accessible from the foredeck.
The Arcadia 85’s main deck layout features a huge shaded cockpit. The interior arrangement includes a main salon and separate dining area, divided by a large central galley. The helm is located forward of the dining table, where the captain is surrounded by angular glass windows on three sides.
The yacht’s semi-planing hull was laid up in fiberglass, using vinylester resin for the exterior layers and isophthalic resin for the interior layers. The shipyard touts its new Arcadia Assembling System as increasing efficiency and thereby reducing costs for the project.
On Hull No. 1, propulsion is traditional: twin 730-hp MAN R6 diesels mated to ZF gearboxes. Arcadia is testing hybrid diesel/electric power and plans to make it available in future yachts. Designs are also complete for Arcadia 115 and 135 models.
For more information, visit www.arcadiayachts.it.