M/Y Savannah, launched by Feadship, is the first superyacht to feature an eco-friendly blend of single diesel engine, three gensets, batteries, propeller, azimuting thruster and a streamlined hull shape. With a fuel economy of 30 percent, this truly pioneering electro-mechanical propulsion platform combines Feadship’s past experience and forward-thinking approach within a purely custom creation. Innovation equally comes in the form of a floating superstructure, an underwater lounge, the ‘open’ aft deck areas, and much more.
M/Y Savannah
Savannah’s eco-friendly, electro-mechanical propulsion is, of course, fantastically complex. In a nutshell, however, it features a pioneering blend of a single Wärtsilä main engine, three generators, some one million watts of Li-ion batteries, a single central propeller shaft installation on the centerline and an in-line azimuting thruster. Combined with the yacht’s super streamlined hull shape, this means M/Y Savannah enjoys fuel economies of 30 percent and incredible flexibility in operations and loading of the power plant.
The way one gigantic propeller is installed in front with another electrically powered prop in its slipstream is a first for a yacht. Another major innovation is the batteries, which provide extra speed at the top end, allow proper loading of the generators at any speed and facilitate super-quiet cruising at slow speeds without any engines turning. “The possibility to choose between diesel, diesel-electric or fully electric is truly exceptional. Only Feadship engineering and the rich experience of this yard could have successfully concluded a project of such scope and vision.” says Ted McCumber, captain of Savannah.
M/Y Savannah – Propeller
But there’s much more to Savannah than her awesome power system alone, as you can see for yourself in the pictures. Check out her superstructure, where the glass and composite panels appear to float thanks to visual trickery involving polished stainless steel strips, aluminum supports and teak. Look at how the stainless steel doors form part of the yacht’s continuous line and also appear to be floating thanks to the remarkable work of CG Design and Feadship’s designers. Another unique aspect of the exterior is the way the aft owner and main deck areas are designed as a single open inside/outside space, enclosed by weather-tight sliding doors. With the sides of the main lounge open, the entire zone from the swimming pool to the salon serves as an unprecedented alfresco experience.
M/Y Savannah
The interior remains a mystery due to privacy agreements, however Feadship shared a few words on this equally amazing artifice. “Savannah has an ‘underwater lounge’ where guests can watch the fish outside or turn around and observe the fun and games in the nine-meter swimming pool. The room, which also converts into a cinema, is another first for a superyacht and features especially thick glass due to its position in the hull.”
M/Y Savannah
M/Y Savannah’s incredible sea foam metallic green exterior color scheme was created by a human machine of several dozen craftsmen, who spent many weekends in a climate-controlled tent to create what is the world’s largest metallic-painted object. They used special mixing machines and electrically-charged spray guns to ensure all the metallic flakes were in perfect order and, not to mention, an additional ground-breaking achievement on a pure pedigree yacht.
“The owner of Savannah loves to be at one with the water,” adds captain Ted McCumber. “This phenomenal design will allow him to run from the main salon and dive straight into the sea.” Truly, the Savannah lives up to its name.
M/Y Savannah
