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Albatross Sailing Catamaran Is a Striking, Very Luxurious Proposal for a Green Future

“Viewing the world today, we must all admit that Mother Earth is not in a good shape,” prestigious shipyard Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven says. Their proposal for helping our planet doesn’t involve any kind of compromise – and it looks stunning, too.
Albatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawater 10 photos
Photo: Lloyd Werft
Albatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawaterAlbatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion: wind, solar and seawater
Superyacht concepts are a dime a dozen now. Anyone with some skill and a considerable following can do it, and many will probably be paying attention to the result. While this does help with advancing the conversation on what progress still needs to be made in the naval industry in order to reduce its carbon footprint, it’s still pretty much empty talk. But when a shipyard as prestigious as Lloyd Werft does it, it’s a clear shift in paradigm.

Lloyd Werft, the same shipyard that created one of the most technologically-advanced, beautiful and expensive megayachts of today, Roman Abramovich’s Solaris, is saying that things need to change. Sailing has to become more sustainable and efficient, and at the same time, more comfortable and stress-free for the crew.

“Anything is possible with the right amount of thought and investigation,” Friedrich Norden, head of projects and sales at Lloyd Werft, tells Boat International.

Albatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion\: wind, solar and seawater
Photo: Lloyd Werft
The result of all this thought and investigation is called Albatross, a hybrid, sail-assisted 125-meter (410-foot) catamaran concept that uses the so-called “free fuels” for propulsion: wind, solar, and seawater. With a proposed 10,000 GT of interior volume, Albatross would also provide unparalleled levels of luxury, with interiors (still to be rendered) inspired by nature, including actual gardens, and the most lavish amenities.

Lloyd Werft estimates that, by using the three resources occurring naturally, Albatross would reduce its carbon footprint considerably, and the energy consumption by as much as 40%. For wind, the twin-hull vessel relies on a rigid sail system, with the 1,000 square-meter (10,764 square-foot) sails able to deliver 1,200 kW of free propulsion with fair winds, and a top speed of about 7 knots (8 mph / 13 kph). When the sails are not in use, they can fold down and out of the way, so as to offer the least inconvenience.

Thanks to the 2,000 square meters (21,528 square feet) of solar panels, 350 kW of peak power per hour can be harvested, which results in a real-world average of 140 kW over 24 hours, the shipyard says. Five vertical wind turbines on the roof would also capture 50 kW of power per hour. The shipyard imagines a 4 MW Lithium-ion battery storage, and four main engines that would take Albatross to a top speed of 15 knots (17.2 mph / 28 kph). Eco speed is of 12 knots (13.8 mph / 22.2 kph), and range is virtually limitless due to hybrid propulsion.

The shipyard is yet to reveal the interior, but it does say that Albatross creates more space for the crew. Accommodation would be for 14 guests and as many as 46 crew, with Lloyd Werft paying heightened attention to the latter. “The days of squeezing crew into multiple berth cabins are an image from the past that can be easily avoided,” Norden says for the same media outlet. “These areas are vital for crew welfare, mental health and happiness. With the right planning during the design phases, it can be accomplished with minimal cost.”

Albatross concept uses "free fuels" for propulsion\: wind, solar and seawater
Photo: Lloyd Werft
Amenities would be top-notch, as befits a megayacht. Renders show an infinity pool on the beach club, with glass balconies hanging over the swim platform. There’s a helideck and a helipad, with electric charging for future eVTOLs (electric takeoff and landing aircraft), two packed garages in the twin hulls (with mostly electric watercraft of varying sizes), and plenty of lounging and entertaining areas. A wave breaker arrangement with a hydraulic flap is located between the two hulls, creating a moon pool effect that helps with launching and retrieving the tenders in the safest and most comfortable manner.

Lloyd Werft says that the naval industry must change in order to take better care of ailing Mother Nature. If the green future is anything like Albatross, change won’t come at the expense of luxury.

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 Download: Albatross booklet (PDF)

About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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