It’s a relatively rare occurrence in London, that we should host one of the world’s largest superyachts, but occasionally, the River Thames is known to have accommodated some spectacular projects. This week, Oceanco’s 109m Bravo Eugenia made its way into the capital and naturally demands the attention from the onlookers on the riverbank.

It’s occasions such as these which lead me to think about what the current perception of the superyacht industry is, and how important it is for us to portray the market correctly and clarify that there is a plethora of astonishing developments taking place and laying the foundations for the future.

When spectacular projects come to town, I think it is essential to reiterate that there is far more to this industry than meets the eye, and truly incredible things are happening here.

Understandably, the superyacht industry is a fairly soft target, as there really is no hiding the fact that a superyacht is probably the most extravagant and indulgent purchase a human being can make. But on occasions such as this, when spectacular projects come to town, I think it is essential to reiterate that there is far more to this industry than meets the eye, and truly incredible things are happening here.

Bravo Eugenia is a wonderful demonstration of this. To the untrained eye, she is a very large - and exceptional looking - white superyacht, but beneath the surface she is a fantastic feat of engineering and a revolutionary project which, I believe, encapsulates what the superyacht industry is determined to achieve. 

Delivered one year ago, Bravo Eugenia features Lateral Naval Architects’ revolutionary design approach, LIFE Design. The carefully considered approach is based on four key parameters which contribute to both the elegance and performance of the vessel, comprising:

·      Lengthened waterline,

·      Innovative lay-out,

·      Fuel-efficient hull design,

·      Eco-conscious technology.

Together, Oceanco and Lateral Naval Architects have created an intricate technical solution within these four parameters which has resulted in a fully optimised maritime vessel. But the LIFE Design approach extends past the technology behind the project, and throughout the course of the project’s existence.

Projects that feature LIFE Design benefit from a 30 per cent reduction in fuel usage, compared to a conventional yacht of 3400gt, alongside a considerable reduction in overall energy consumption. Furthermore, the four parameters mean that LIFE Design yachts are able to meet every ECO class requirement and operate in all Emission Control Areas (ECAs), thanks to its reduction in overall air emissions.

Pioneering technology, such as that on board Bravo Eugenia is being continuously developed across the field in the name of research, conservation and discovery, but it isn’t going to make it out there unless we do everything in our power to make sure owners really know what the options are.

It is solutions such as this that we, the industry, need to be showcasing. This week, Bravo Eugenia didn’t trundle up the Thames under diesel drives, but arrived in almost complete silence with her engines on battery mode, and that to me, is what is now making this industry tick.

Our role in the industry is to inform and inspire owners to think differently about the yachts that can be created. Pioneering technology, such as that on board Bravo Eugenia is being continuously developed across the field in the name of research, conservation and discovery, but it isn’t going to make it out there unless we do everything in our power to make sure owners really know what the options are.

While the superyacht industry may be slightly behind the curve in certain elements, there are so many pioneering developments and initiatives that the industry should be proud of, and I think Bravo Eugenia in London is a platform from which to show case that fact. We are, increasingly, a vehicle for innovation within the spheres of efficiency and optimisation. And when it is evident on the vessels themselves, it is a fantastic means of correcting misconceptions of our wares.

Profile links

Oceanco

Lateral Naval Architects

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