In an era where environmentally conscious cruising and sustainability are at the forefront of the maritime industry, key players continue to push the boundaries of clean propulsion systems, reducing emissions while still aiming to deliver those oh-so-precious nautical miles.
To combat such issues, Italian builder Baglietto Yachts has announced an initiative to introduce a new hybrid propulsion system onboard its yachts starting in 2025.
Working with Siemens Energy and CGT, Baglietto aims to implement an interposed hybrid propulsion system into its T52 and DOM 133 yachts, with installations scheduled to commence in 2025. The system will also be made available for vessels using the Bzero hydrogen-based technology that incorporates a hydrogen production module that then utilizes filtered and deionized seawater to produce hydrogen with a purity level of 5.0 degrees at a maximum pressure of 35 bar. This process is achieved through a system of AEM-type electrolyzers, totaling approximately 55 kW of power.
All system components will undergo supervision, verification, and certification by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
The new system will implement a hybrid-parallel propulsion architecture ensuring maximum flexibility, compact installation, and onboard comfort, as well as improved mechanical and electrical efficiency."
CEO
Baglietto Yachts
The new system consists of a Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesel engine paired with an ultra-compact hybrid unit, integrating a low-consumption clutch and a 180kW high-efficiency electrical machine within a compact area. This electrical machine serves a dual function, acting both as an electric propulsion motor for enhanced comfort and reduced noise, and as a shaft generator system to boost efficiency and optimize fuel consumption. Siemens Energy's BlueDrive Eco will control the entire powertrain.
The versatile system enables yachts to operate in various modes, including diesel mode, diesel shaft generation mode without the need for gensets, diesel-electric mode utilizing gensets only, and full electric mode. In traditional diesel and diesel shaft generation modes, the Caterpillar engines can utilize diesel fuels sourced from 100% renewable energy sources, such as HVO and e-diesel. These fuels — derived from highly renewable energy sources — result in up to a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions over the entire product lifecycle, from production to final use.
During diesel-electric mode, the combination of conventional gensets and variable-speed diesel gensets enables the yacht to cruise at speeds of up to 9 knots using biofuels. In full-electric mode, Li-ion battery packs with prismatic cells enable the vessel to achieve excellent range in zero-emission mode, providing prolonged periods of silent operation while at anchor.
Once more, Baglietto shows its determination to explore new, innovative paths in the implementation of alternative energy sources. And, in doing so, it moves one step closer to the goals already set with the Bzero system, aimed at reaching truly sustainable yachting."
CEO
Baglietto Yachts
