Unless you’re in a boat and you’re doing all the rowing yourself, the only way you can say for sure that you’re not leaving a negative mark on the environment is by choosing electric propulsion. But hybrid is the next best thing.
Ahead of last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, Diana Yacht Design unveiled a new concept for a hybrid vessel that heralds a new era in seafaring. Blue Angel, named like this for the German moniker pinned to “green” tech, and for the association between the color blue and clean water and unpolluted air, is a hybrid – but it can conveniently run on hydrogen only, too.
At the same time, Blue Angel is a luxury yacht, with all the amenities a millionaire would come to expect from one. This proves that sailing around the world doesn’t have to leave a major footprint on the environment, cause noise and pollution. And it certainly doesn’t have to mean a compromise in luxury.
Blue Angel is a striking 36-meter (118-foot) vessel that stands out for the two-tone paintjob and a slightly aggressive but still elegant outline. It is described by the designer as a yacht with visible “masculine” influences, without verging into (visually) menacing territory.
Photo: Diana Yacht Design
The architecture of Blue Angel is designed by Diana Yacht Design, while the propulsion system is the work of Belgium company Exmar Yachting. An interior designer for the concept has not been named, but Diana Yacht stresses that they’re going for the general look of airy, spacious and inviting.
The idea for this hybrid came after designer Casper Marelis met with a family with a declared love of cruising and equally loud environmental concerns. As such, the target for such a vessel is the family of hardworking parents who deserve the best in terms of family vacations, but would not sacrifice their environmental beliefs for them. Put it differently, it’s for millionaires who work hard, play harder and strive to be a cut above the rest in terms of focus on sustainability.
Blue Angel can run on hydrogen solely for shorter journeys of up to 18 hours, at a cruising speed of 10 knots with hotel functions. For longer stretches, the on-board hydrogen tanks serve as range extenders: it can go for over 3,200 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
“When Blue Angel is running on hydrogen as its sole fuel, this allows for silent and clean cruising with zero emissions,” designer Xavier Ex explains. “These fuel cells are completely silent, vibration, smoke and smell free. This means you will no longer need to run any generators during your normal day-trips or whilst at anchor.”
Photo: Diana Yacht Design
For hybrid propulsion, Blue Angels uses electric Azimuth pods and diesel redundant generators. The hydrogen is carried in cylindrical tanks in quantities depending on final layout chosen by the owner. It will carry a minimal load of diesel at all times.
Because this is meant to be a family home at sea, accommodation is different than with other yachts of the size. All guest cabins are grouped together on the main deck: there’s a full-beam owner’s cabin, a double and a twin stateroom. Another guest room is available on the lower deck, convertible from a media / game room, should the situation requires it. All crew quarters are below deck, including the rooms, the galley and maintenance services.
Amenities include a fully-equipped gym, plenty of storage space for tenders and water toys, two bars and a generous coffee corner, and a spacious lounge. The upper deck lounge can be used according to every situation, as an outdoor dining room, a lounge area, a sports deck or an outdoor movie theater.
Photo: Diana Yacht Design
Because the commitment to a more sustainable yacht is real, it goes beyond propulsion and an appropriately-themed color. Diana Yacht Design says that the interior will be made with sustainable materials and that Smart Energy screens will be placed in every room, reminding guests to turn off the A/C.
A possible price for Blue Angel was not included with the presentation.
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. Full profile
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