44m Royal Huisman goes green

A 44m Royal Huisman world cruising ketch has been relaunched following a hybrid conversion.

Juliet, first launched in 1993, has completed nearly a quarter million of ocean miles. She returned to Royal Huisman‘s Huisfit, the shipyard’s refit services, in Amsterdam, to “go green” and become future-proof.

Juliet’s hybrid conversion features a new gearbox, aligned with a new electric motor/generator, said to facilitates indirect electric propulsion, either generated by the main engine or drawn from the new battery bank or generator. Conventional shaft drive directly from the engine remains an option and the system enables the main engine to meet the yacht’s ‘hotel load’ requirements by means of the electric motor/generator, whilst the power management set-up also provides additional silent options via the advanced battery bank. The thrusters are also electrically-propelled.

Under sail, electrical power will be generated by the propeller’s rotation. At anchor, battery power replaces the gensets as the main power supply.

The company says hybrid conversions by Huisfit provide yachts of Juliet’s era with a lasting new lease of life, with these conversions offer being seen as a wise investment, in anticipation of potential future requirements of worldwide environmental regulations.

“Huisfit is offering a number of smart green solutions to reduce the use of energy onboard superyachts with 20th century technology,” says Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “A conversion by Huisfit in Amsterdam – from conventional to hybrid – is the ultimate systems upgrade with leading-edge propulsion and power generation.

“The Huisfit approach brings together our exceptional infrastructure, technology and skills, with leading industry specialists to provide a bespoke solution for every refit, rebuild and renewal project in one tailored package.”