‘World-first’ fuel-free catamaran now in build

German luxury boatbuilder Alva Yachts, which specialises in electric solar catamarans and sailboats, has announced details of a pioneering solar superyacht catamaran.

The Ocean Eco 90 H2, which is now in build, is a 90ft superyacht catamaran with wings. Said by Alva to be the world’s first superyacht catamaran to ‘run without fossil fuels and producing zero emissions,’ the Ocean Eco 90 H2 is fully electric and is powered by two performance electric motors, connected to a 500+ kWh battery pack. The battery pack is powered by the sun from 200sqm of solar panelling plus a range extender consisting of a fuel cell supplied by EODev and integrated by Seco Marine.

The vessel will be fitted with Ayro’s Oceanwings wind propulsion system with wind sensors on the wing sails. This data is then analysed by a computer, and its motors adjust the wingsail angle of attack and camber.

The boatbuilder says the vessel’s owner has plans to use the Ocean Eco 90 H2 for commercial use, including private and corporate events and chartering. The owner’s self-declared aim is to highlight to the public that “we can sail safely, sustainably, with an environmentally fully clean system and with a high level of comfort, converting a dream into reality.”

Holger Henn, CEO of Alva Yachts, says: “We are very happy to have found such a confident and innovative client that pushes us to explore new technologies. This project would not be possible without our classification partner DNV which has established new ground rules, especially for us because this has never been done before. In addition to DNV, our engineering partner iYacht has surpassed our expectations when faced with such advanced engineering challenges.

“What is special about this project is certainly the leap that we are making in technology. A superyacht that can operate without fossil fuel is something we could only dream of. But with the help of strong partners and a lot of effort from the Alva team, we want to show what is possible in boatbuilding today.”

The new Ocean Eco 90 H2 is an open concept, with an open flybridge and helm station as well as a sky lounge, cocktail bar and jacuzzi on the top deck. It offers a large beach club, water sports and entertaining areas coupled with spacious above-deck living and relaxing zones.

Alva says the 90 H2 is designed for adventures and as a ‘true ocean-going cruising yacht.’

Unalome Design oversaw the interior design concept and material selection. The master suite has spacious lounge seating areas either side of the bed, a private study and walk-in wardrobe leading to an en-suite bathroom with dual sinks. The starboard side offers a twin guest room with en-suite. Further guest accommodation is located within the portside hull and features two ensuite double rooms and two single rooms, suitable for staff.

The foredeck provides another social space with two separate seating arrangements plus oversized sunbeds, while the main deck has a ‘penthouse-style’ salon.

Alva Yachts Med based in the Balearics is the supporting dealer for Alva Yachts.