Team Malizia launches new IMOCA with Molabo hybrid system

German electric propulsion manufacturer Molabo and Team Malizia have extended their technical partnership with the integration of a second Molabo hybrid-electric propulsion system into Malizia’s newly launched IMOCA yacht.

The new installation builds directly on the data and operational experience gained from the first Molabo system deployed aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer.

According to Team Malizia technical consultant Jesse Rowse, the priorities for the new installation were clear. “For the next generation, the two biggest priorities were weight and maximum efficiency,” says Rowse. “The Molabo motor that makes the whole hybrid package possible is so small and compact, it gives us much more flexibility in the overall system architecture.” 

“The system itself is quite similar, but the physical layout is very different,” Rowse adds. “On the previous boat, everything had to go where the diesel engine had been. This time, because we already knew the system worked, we could optimize the layout from the start.” 

For Imoca teams, onboard energy management has become a critical design and performance factor. Modern offshore racing yachts rely on navigation, communications, autopilot systems, sensors, onboard computing, safety equipment and media systems while operating for weeks or months in some of the most demanding environments on earth.  

Conventional versus hybrid installations

Compared with a conventional diesel system, Team Malizia estimates that the new hybrid installation also provides significantly more usable energy from the same amount of fuel. This efficiency is becoming a critical performance factor as the IMOCA class and race organisers tighten restrictions on fossil fuel consumption during competition.

Rowse notes that future Vendée Globe competitors will be limited to just 60 litres of fuel – a drastic reduction from the higher quantities historically carried by IMOCA yachts.

“With the new rule, everyone can carry the same amount of fuel, but with this system we can get roughly twice as much energy from those 60 litres,” says Rowse. “That is a big difference. Without a highly efficient system, teams will have to make compromises elsewhere, whether that means reducing communications, using hydrogenerators more often, or adding more solar panels and weight.” 

“The hybrid system gives gains in weight placement, gains in efficiency and many smaller gains in terms of the ergonomics and architecture of the boat. For me, it is absolutely worth it, especially on an offshore boat.” 

Lessons from the first installation highlighted the system’s reliability, with Rowse noting that the Molabo always motor performed well throughout its initial deployment. This proven dependability has allowed the technical team to shift their focus from merely proving the concept to actively optimising the entire design architecture around a trusted powertrain.   

Rowse also sees interest increasing across the IMOCA fleet. “The technical teams are very interested,” says Rowse. “On paper, they can see that it is better. I think as more boats use systems like this, confidence will grow.” 

He adds: “The hybrid concept makes sense beyond race boats. You get the good parts of electric propulsion, but you keep the ability to generate power when you need it. You can leave the dock silently on battery power, but if the wind disappears and you need to motor for several hours, you still have that capability.” 

“We’ve learned a lot from our continued partnership with Team Malizia,” said Adrian Patzak, COO at Molabo GmbH. “The confidence and knowledge gained from the first system allowed the design team to improve layout, efficiency, and ultimately sailing performance in their new yacht. That is exactly how advanced marine electrification should evolve.”  

Recently, Molabo appointed Tommi Salonen as head of global marine sales.