Swiss designer Yves Béhar has partnered with Italian shipyard Rossinavi to introduce Solsea, an electric hybrid catamaran superyacht concept aimed at revolutionising oceanic travel. The innovative vessel, unveiled at this year’s Design Miami, boasts a blend of sustainability, cutting-edge technology, and luxury, with the potential to complete transatlantic crossings with up to 80 per cent electric propulsion.
Solsea’s design integrates an array of solar panels coupled with an advanced onboard AI-driven battery system. According to Béhar, this solar-powered system is expected to slash fuel usage and reduce operational costs by 80 per cent during cruising. While it can complete shorter trips solely using electric power, the superyacht’s unique design ensures it can undertake long-distance journeys using primarily electric energy. The vessel’s battery can be fully recharged in as little as five hours when docked on shore.
“The yacht’s catamaran eco-displacement hull is designed for maximum hydrodynamic efficiency, enabling full-electric cruising,” Béhar explained. “This would not only reduce emissions but also minimise noise, vibrations, and odours, while enhancing onboard comfort and a connection to nature.”
Solsea also includes a hibernation mode for when it is moored, significantly lowering energy consumption. Notably, the solar panels can store and distribute the collected energy to power external sources at the marina or even supply energy to a villa.
The yacht’s roof features solar panels that seamlessly blend into its form, including a retractable cover for the upper-deck swimming pool. The interior design, championed by Béhar, reflects a minimalist aesthetic, using sustainable materials like cork flooring, wood panels, and recycled ocean-sourced plastic.
Rossinavi’s custom AI technology is embedded in the battery system to track its health and ensure it remains within the optimal 20 to 80 per cent range. Béhar noted that this smart system would not only manage the battery’s condition but also assist and interact with the crew for improved operational efficiency.
“This visionary vessel sets a new standard for sustainable, silent ocean exploration,” Béhar concluded.
Béhar, who founded the design studio Fuseproject, has previously worked with Kind Humanoid to develop a robotic body for various uses. His latest venture highlights how the luxury yacht industry is addressing environmental challenges in response to the growing need for sustainability.
The Miami Art Week, running from 2 to 8 December, serves as a platform for showcasing forward-thinking designs like Solsea. Visit the Dezeen Events Guide for more details on architecture and design events globally.