Built upon the Lateral Futurology philosophy, which exemplifies three key elements that shape the choices we can make to improve the future of superyacht engineering: Technical Innovation, Challenge The Paradigm, and Alternative Fuels.
Initiated by and with exterior and interior design from SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design, project AQUA utilises 100% alternative fuels to present a technically audacious view of a zero emissions future. With a length overall of 112m and a GT of 3,530, AQUA has been developed around a hydrogen-electric propulsion and energy system architecture.
James Roy, Managing Director stated, “We can postulate many things about future technologies in superyachts, but we can say for certain that a zero carbon and zero emissions future will be a certainty. As international maritime regulations continue to move towards driving zero-carbon shipping within this century we are investing in research and development of engineering solutions to deliver this.”
The development of AQUA presents a view of the future based around the use of hydrogen; electrical energy generated via renewable sources is transported via the land-based grid, and converted locally at the point of distribution to hydrogen. This is then used onboard via fuel cell technology to generate electrical energy for propulsion and house load within an integrated electrical architecture.
Following extensive research and development into numerous alternative fuel options, Lateral selected a 28 tonne capacity liquid hydrogen system powering proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Additionally, an innovative propulsion system integrating a central gondola with a contra rotating propeller (CRP), together with twin vertical axis propellers (VSP) is proposed.
Alex Meredith Hardy, Principal Naval Architect at Lateral stated “The propulsion system developed for AQUA combines existing and proven technology but in a novel combination. We have called this TREADWATER and it will deliver the ultimate in precision manoeuvrability and response for harbour and station keeping operations via the instant thrust available in any direction from VSP units. In addition, the system has improved propulsion efficiency over a conventional twin shaft propulsion arrangement.”
