Viareggio Super Yachts (VSY) has signed an agreement with Siemens and LR to develop a project for the application of hydrogen fuel cells technology on a special version of the new VSY 65m WATERECHO project by Espen Øino. Designed for true sea lovers by one of the most talented and recognised pens in the yachting world, the VSY 65m WATERECHO is a perfect blend of absolute comfort and sustainability with the aim to increase the conscious luxury yacht building.

VSY is committed to providing alternative and innovative systems that offer practical and efficient solutions. The shipyard strives for excellence, comfort and best performance which goes hand-in-hand with the desire to create luxury craft that are able to face all of today’s challenges, while respecting the environment.

The shipyard is known as an ethical construction specialist with a vision of sustainability for the wider practice of yacht building. They have always invested in onboard technologies for water treatment, exhaust emission reduction, ‘green anchoring’ systems and other energy saving applications.

VSY is not only encouraging the evolution of ecologically sound construction of larger yachts, but also promoting relationships with international committees and companies to stimulate the increase of environmental stability and clean technologies.

Siemens is heavily involved in the development of environmentally friendly and profitable solutions for the marine and shipbuilding sector. These are vital to meet strict environmental requirements while still running ships economically. That is why Siemens have produced an integrated energy and propulsion system, specifically designed for marine industry, the SISHIP BlueDrive. The SISHIP BlueDrive Family offers customised scalable uniform-topology of energy and drive solutions that are also suitable for smaller applications such as yachts. This solution enables an easy integration of battery systems (such as Siemens’ own produced BlueVaultTM) and has been recently consolidated through a partnership with the Swedish producer of fuel cell modules, PowerCell Sweden AB. This will drive forward the integration of fuel cell modules in shipping and develop an energy supply system for vessels based on fuel cells.

The main purpose of the project is to assess the specific safety and technical requirements for feeding the stern electric engine (used for manoeuvring or as auxiliary propulsor – standard in all VSY yachts) in a completely sustainable mode.

As per the agreement, VSY will carry out the technical and commercial feasibility of the employment of hydrogen fuel cells and their installation onboard. Siemens will provide their know-how, the technical solutions already developed or to be developed, and LR will carry out a preliminary assessment for certification purposes.