SHADOWCAT, the industry-leading and award-winning developer of catamaran support yachts, has expanded its portfolio to include an extraordinary 69 metre (226 foot) catamaran shadow vessel. The new concept, SUSTAIN, seamlessly combines sustainability with efficiency.
SUSTAIN sets a new standard for environmental responsibility within the yachting industry, providing unparalleled capability as a support vessel and as a flexible platform which can fully support the luxury yacht market.
Designed with innovation, eco-consciousness, and citizen science at its core, SUSTAIN’S aluminium catamaran hull is designed with efficiency as its goal. The vessel leverages state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, setting a new benchmark for support vessels in the luxury yacht industry.
Designed by SHADOWCAT partners, Incat Crowther and YCTS, Ltd., SUSTAIN offers a 15.5m (50ft) beam and 3.25m (10.6ft) draft, and will be built upon Incat Crowther’s award-winning aluminium hull design, enabling some of the highest speeds and superior operational safety of any support yacht available on the market.
SUSTAIN leads the way in sustainable marine propulsion, powered by IMO Tier III/EPA Tier IV Urea-free WABTEC EGR marine engines that can run on renewable diesel (HDRD/HVO) and biodiesel (FAME). The vessel’s main engines and fuel tanks are also designed for future conversion to methanol when it becomes more readily available globally, further advancing sustainable practices in the industry and further future proofing the vessel.
SUSTAIN is equipped with a PTO/PTI gearbox, allowing the vessel to be run in a diesel-electric mode at slow speeds and enabling the house load to be carried by the main engines on longer passages, allowing a cleaner departure from port and a reduction of generator operational hours on passage.
In terms of operational efficiency, SUSTAIN incorporates specialised technology to evaluate and reduce HVAC loading while improving air circulation and air quality. Innovative heat-rejecting paint and window coatings from Hempel further enhance energy efficiency.
SUSTAIN also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility with comprehensive waste management systems for black and gray water, food waste, and packaging from Fundamental Marine Developments.
Additionally, with the use of waste heat recovery from the generators, the laundry drying load and fresh water heater energy requirements are greatly reduced. Solar array panels and turbines are powering the battery bank that supplies power to the electric toys and tenders, making that operation zero-footprint.
Spaces within SUSTAIN have been thoughtfully designed with a multifunctional approach, catering to not only the vessel’s primary function but also the support of research, conservation, and humanitarian initiatives. The vessel boasts specialised facilities, including a wet lab and dry lab, equipped with advanced data-gathering systems for conducting crucial marine studies.
Passive data gathering systems complement the research efforts, collecting vital information seamlessly. A dedicated video editing and production area allows for real-time documentation and communication of scientific findings and conservation efforts.
SUSTAIN also features a fully-equipped dive shop enabling researchers to explore and study marine environments safely and effectively. In addition, the vessel incorporates a well-equipped hospital, complete with a decompression chamber, to ensure the well-being of researchers, crew, and guests during expeditions.
Versatile spaces within the vessel are intelligently arranged to accommodate meetings and collaborations, serving as a hub for researchers to exchange ideas and findings. Comfortable accommodations for researchers and crew members provide ample space for rest and rejuvenation during extended missions.
The vessel’s primary function as a superyacht support vessel optimises the use of these spaces for additional staff, entourage, and guests traveling alongside the mother ship. The vessel’s well-designed facilities and abundant space make it an ideal platform to accommodate extra personnel, ensuring comfort and convenience during their journey.
This surplus space and supplemental function not only enhances the overall luxury experience for those onboard but also provides an opportunity to support research, conservation, and humanitarian initiatives even while the vessel serves as a superyacht support. SUSTAIN’S inherent flexibility in fulfilling multiple roles exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and demonstrates that the yacht industry can be an agent of positive change and responsible global citizenship.
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