Feadship Introduces Diamond-Inspired Superyacht Design Concept C
A superyacht that incorporates fins that generates energy from the waves movement.
October 8, 2024
Setting A New Benchmark For Sustainable Superyacht Design
One of the major highlights of Monaco Yacht Show was the unveiling of concept C, Feadship’s latest concept design carried out by in-house creative team, Studio De Voogt by architects and engineers dedicated to providing sustainability-focused innovative superyacht designs. The studio has released a set of beautiful design renders to showcase Project C, a 246-foot concept yacht, as part of Feadship’s quest of producing exceptionally designed net-zero superyachts.
In honor of the Diamond Anniversary of the launch of Feadship, Studio De Voogt named its latest design concept “C” inspired by diamonds, incorporating faceted shapes, broad expanses of glass fractured beams of light, and invisible corners, combined, the result is a mirage of beauty.
Her flared bow is characteristic in the classic Feadships and pays homage to the powerful and iconic bow designs of the late Frits de Voogt.
The yacht’s multi-level interior is an atrium of light, turning the center of circulation for owner and guests into a light-filled gallery to make a fluid living space.
Above: Concept C A3 Running. Image via Feadship.
Above: The aft-facing swimming pool and social areas. Image via Feadship.
Borderless Spaces
Studio De Voogt studied diamonds and incorporated elements of diamond facet patterns to successfully draw light into the yacht's interior, reflecting, refracting with and magnifying sunlight to enhance the levels of natural light onboard.
As part of a wider mission to create a fluid layout, C’s design blurs the relationship between the decks and facades. The fore and aft sections are staggered with a curved mezzanine at the center of circulation amidships. Living and sleeping spaces are just a half-level from lifestyle areas, either up or down. Studio De Voogt eliminated ‘functional spaces’, such as long rectangular corridors and instead made every inch of space feel like a destination.
A Hexagonal Wall-less Lift
A lift without walls sounds like an impossible feat, but at the touch of a button a neat, hexagon shaped seating area gently moves to deposit you seamlessly at your desired level without breaking the conversation.
Above: Concept C a light-filled atrium. Image via Feadship.
The lifting mechanism can also rotate 180 degrees to accommodate the split-level decks. Shoot to the sky and the skylight automatically opens revealing a private crow’s nest.
Above: A glass plated crows nest. Image via Feadship.
The emphasis on connectivity between spaces continues in the principle suite, a duplex with an open staircase linking the sleeping accommodation on the upper deck to a private office and sitting room on the main deck below. It also boasts a private outdoor seaview deck and spa pool.
Sea-views have been maximized internally, with a partially enclosed lower deck sea lounge and waterfront dining. Hull-side openings aft allow the sea lounge to be a bright well-lit al fresco space, even if the yacht is underway or moored in a marina, for a private and protected space at anchor. The spacious sea lounge can be extended when the side terraces are lowered and the modular space can be arranged as a watersports enthusiast’s staging area, or with seating, a dining table and a bar. Three different staircases connect with the aft main deck above featuring a hexagonal infinity edge pool and sunning area. From a tender or quayside, C is designed to be entered via the sea lounge.
Forward of the sea lounge is a gym and spa, each with opening terraces. Opposite is a unique sea-level dining room connecting to the lower lobby with a broad opening terrace on the sea for the ultimate private seaside dining experience.
Electric Propulsion
As part of Feadship’s big step in the decarbonization of yachting. Both the centreline propeller and thruster are electric and draw power from an efficient DC electrical grid supplied by fuel cells directly running on methanol produced from renewable sources. Although their initial cost is still higher than internal combustion generators, they return the capital investment in only a few years due to increased efficiency eliminating greenhouse gasses. They are also compact units, thus reducing the space of the engine compartment.
Following on from the hydrogen fuel cell power system developed for Feadship’s 118.80-metre Project 821, Concept C will draw 100 per cent of her power needs from fuel cells directly running on methanol, complimented by lithium-metal batteries. Green methanol is seen by Feadship as the best near-term option for onboard energy generation due to its relatively high density and ease of use. A typical cruising speed on the fuel cells is 14 knots and a top speed of 17 knots can be achieved by adding the battery power to the DC electrical grid.
The Hammerhead Effect: Capturing Wave Energy
Capturing wave energy is an exciting new concept spearheaded by Feadship. Additional electrical power will be generated by one pair of narrow wave-actuated fins that fold out from the hull aft of the anchors. Extending horizontally from the hull like the outline of a hammerhead shark. The fins are connected to permanent magnet rotors that create DC electrical energy directly to the micro-DC grid onboard. Estimates are that in a one-meter sea, energy generated by their movement will meet one-third of C’s hotel load. In addition it would reduce the pitch motions by some 20 per cent and reduce the total resistance through the water by some 3-4%.
Eliminating Heat Retention & Sourcing Sustainably
Overhangs play a critical role in reducing heat levels in the yacht. Keeping windows and superstructure walls out of direct sunlight is essential to reducing the heat entering a yacht, reducing the need for air conditioning. C’s faceted exterior and angled windows along with wide side deck and stern overhangs minimize the heat generated by expanses of glass while providing views to the horizon. Feadship is also working with glazing manufacturers to improve the reflective and insulating qualities of glass panels.
Additionally, Feadship is transitioning to lower impact steel and aluminum, raw materials of equivalent strength generating 60 percent less greenhouse gasses during their manufacture by utilizing recycled metals. Head of Research and Development Giedo Loeff believes that the transition to very low greenhouse gas impact steel and aluminum will be complete in 10-15 years, dramatically increasing superyacht construction sustainability as these materials become more generally available and integrated within the component product supply chain.
Are you interested in Feadship Yachts? Read Superyacht Obsidian Feadships Willy Wonka Design With a Focus on Energy Saving or Feadship Announces Hydrogen Powered Superaycht.
