Damen Yachting and Amels have signed a contract for a new custom 72m/236ft hybrid explorer yacht that will be built under the Damen brand and ready for delivery early in 2024.
Once completed, the explorer yacht will have interior and exterior styling from Michael Leach Design. The in-house team at Damen Yachting was responsible for her unique naval architecture and engineering.
The engines with hybrid propulsion ensure zero-emission cruising in some of the world’s most sensitive regions, with PTO/PTI hybrid electrical drives providing a top speed of 8 knots. The extensive battery banks give significant on-board power for silent cruising at night and extended cruising through delicate ecosystems.
The versatile exterior areas are designed for toy and tender storage that can easily become social spaces in the sunshine or shade. The synthetic teak decking is longer-lasting than its traditional counterpart and is also more sustainable and low-maintenance. A deck crane will carry loads of up to 14 tonnes, including a 13m/42.6ft RIB, a 9-metre utility craft and a car. The modular feature also allows for the addition of a swimming pool, or a removable battery bank, customising the hybrid expedition yacht for the destination.
The interior of 1,440 GT has room for an Owner’s deck, a VIP stateroom and large entertainment areas for the whole group, allowing visitors to come and go using the touch-n’-go helipad. The accommodation sleeps up to 12 guests and a crew of 24, which will include staff and specialists.
The project will be built entirely at Damen’s Vlissingen facility in the Netherlands, where the construction of the steel hull will be done in collaboration with sister company Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.