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Report
palumbo shipyards – Columbus Sport Hybrid 40m
A Hybrid
That Makes
Sense
There are a handful of yachts that make use of hybrid propulsion
technologies – some bigger and a few smaller sized vessels – but
with its diesel-electric power train and racy exterior styling the
new Columbus Sport Hybrid 40m launched by Palumbo Shipyards
looks set to make an impact on the competitive market for
mid-size superyachts. Justin Ratcliffe reports.
THE SUPERYACHT REPORT
1
T
The fact that the main
engines can always be
run within their optimum
load profile in diesel mode,
switched off completely
in electric motor mode,
or used in shaft-generator
mode to produce onboard electricity, pays
dividends in terms of
lower fuel consumption
and emissions.
40M Sport Hybrid Broken Bottle
launch
2
THE SUPERYACHT REPORT
he original concept for the allaluminium Sport Hybrid from
Palumbo Shipyards was conceived
through a collaboration between
Giuseppe Palumbo, general manager
of the eponymous shipyard in
Naples and head of its superyacht
division, and Sergio Cutolo of Hydro
Tec. Originally 37.5m, the yacht
subsequently grew to 40m to include
a beach club in the stern and extra
length was added to the forward
section to maintain the overall
proportions, but the owner embraced
the idea of hybrid propulsion from
the outset.
“When we consider hybrid cars, we
usually put the emphasis on energy
saving and reduced emissions”,
says Cutolo. “Hybrid propulsion at
sea has a different set of objectives
and provides different but just as
significant advantages. Battery banks,
for example, are not the answer on
larger vessels because they’re heavy
and bulky, have a limited autonomy
and life-span, and cannot cater to all
the hotel power demands.”
Instead, the Sport Hybrid features
the EcoProp Hybrid system by
Siemens Marine Solutions that has
been specially devised to meet the
requirements of yachts and small
ships and a monitoring system
developed in conjunction with Onyx
Marine Automation. When a vessel
is electrically powered in the lower
speed range, the efficiency of the
propulsion system is increased. As a
result, hybrid propulsion can increase
energy efficiency, particularly on
yachts with frequently changing
running speeds. Simply put, the
system combines MTU main engines
(two x 1,432kW @ 2,300rpm) with
electric-drive motors (two x 60kW)
and diesel gensets (three x 80kW
including emergency generator) in
various operational modes that are
simple to operate with just three
buttons and two levers from the
bridge. The Columbus Sport Hybrid
will be the first superyacht with this
propulsion system as well as the
first to have the new RINA Hybrid
Propulsion Class certification.
“One mode is when the yacht is
cruising up to the top speed of 22
knots, when the main engines provide
the propulsive power,” explains
Cutolo. “A second mode is when the
yacht is sailing up to a cruising speed
of 15 knots, when the two electric
motors can work as shaft generators
to provide the hotel power demands.
A third mode is when the yacht
is cruising at low speed for night
passages and the diesel generators
provide the necessary power to the
electric motors to drive the yacht
at 7.5 knots in extremely quiet
conditions. Or there is the option
to cruise with one main engine only
driving the two shafts – one directly,
the other driven by the electric motor
that is powered by the other motor as
a shaft generator.”
The fact that the main engines can
always be run within their optimum
load profile in diesel mode, switched
off completely in electric motor
mode, or used in shaft-generator
mode to produce on-board electricity,
pays dividends in terms of lower fuel
consumption and emissions. When
the electric motors are powered by
the gensets, for example, the yacht
is expected to consume a frugal 30
litres of fuel per hour. But to label the
system ‘green’ is not strictly accurate,
because ultimately the propulsive
power is still derived from burning
diesel fuel. The main advantages
are that it substantially increases
flexibility and redundancy along
with the service life of engines and
generators.
ADV Santi+Santi
in build report | Columbus Sport Hybrid
Light your way
Lighting concept for
Palumbo 130SH
www.cantalupilighting.it
Monaco Yacht Show
September 25-28
Stand QP46 Parvis Piscine
in build report | Columbus Sport Hybrid
“This has been much more complex
than our first yacht project [54m Prima
delivered in 2011], which was four times
the volume, so the biggest challenge was
how to place all the auxiliary equipment
associated with the hybrid system
without impinging on the guest spaces,”
confirms Palumbo’s project manager,
Gianpaolo Lapenna.
www.studioeffeerre.it
A late change order was
to replace the seating
and dining area on the
foredeck in front of the
wheelhouse with a
Jacuzzi, which required
some last-minute
reengineering by Palumbo.
These advantages have to be
balanced with the increased size,
weight and initial cost of hybrid
propulsion. In fact, the system
necessarily involves more machinery
components as between the main
engine and electric motor there
is a flexible coupling, a gearbox,
another flexible coupling and the
clutch (the system has been further
refined on a sister ship in build
with a more compact gearbox with
the clutch incorporated, which also
serves to reduce vibration issues
by shortening the drive train).
Moreover, the parallel drive trains
each require their own cooling, lube
and monitoring systems. This meant
that considerable thought had to go
into the layout of the engine room
and technical spaces.
With its background in ship repairs
that requires tackling each new job
quickly and efficiently, Palumbo is
well qualified to meet this kind of
challenge. In fact, Lapenna likens the
engine room to the inner workings of
a Rolex watch. It is certainly a tight fit,
but everything appears to be relatively
accessible and a glance at the main
machinery – MTU, Kohler, Idromar,
Reintjes and Condaria, to name a few
– is evidence that only the top brands
have been specified. Fortunately,
as an unmanned machinery space,
the systems can be monitored from
the bridge without the permanent
presence of a crewmember in the
engine room.
The integrated I-Bridge system from
Team Italia was developed from the
idea to create a helm station exclusive
to each and every captain. I-Bridge
makes it possible to integrate a wide
range of systems produced by various
manufacturers that operate using
different kinds of logic to create
a single user interface that is both
personalised and easy to upgrade
over the years. Moreover, by studying
wheelhouse ergonomics Team
Italia has developed a customised
layout solution that is in keeping
with the yacht’s sporty exterior and
contemporary interior design.
project manager Gianpaolo LaPenna
The Sport Hybrid does not have wing
stations, so one system that has been
integrated into the bridge commands
is a wireless Vessel Manoeuvring
Assistant (VMA Plus) device from
Xenta Systems, formerly available only
to the Azimut Benetti Group through
a strategic partnership. The electronic
technology uses the existing engines,
transmissions and bow thruster to allow
the pilot to manoeuvre from anywhere
THE UNIQUE PATENTED
ELECTRICAL FIN STABILIZER
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MAXIMUM COMFORT
AT ANCHOR
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STABILIS ELECTRA ONCE YOU TRY, YOU’LL NEVER LOOK BACK
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Stabilis Electra is a revolutionary system from CMC Marine like no other in the world that has been designed to overcome
the problem of the limited dynamics of a hydraulic actuator. Thanks to its faster response time and lower power
absorption the Stabilis Electra is the perfect system for stabilizing yachts over 20 metres when sailing or at anchor.
Registered with an EU patent, Stabilis Electra has already been chosen by Benetti, Azimut Yachts, Sanlorenzo,
Moonen Shipyard, Rossinavi, Apreamare, Palumbo, Fipa-Maiora, Dominator Yachts, and many other shipyards.
CMC Marine is the industrial manufacturer of stabilization systems and stern
and bow thrusters bearing the “Made in Italy” label for yachts over 20 metres.
www.cmcmarine.com
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Carbon
fibre
0% corrosion
100% green
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in the yacht via a hand-held joystick
control. Xenta components in the
engine room share joystick commands
with the transmission and throttle
controls, while a visual sensor mounted
over each prop shaft reads the speed
and direction of the rotation and feeds
the information to the control system.
... tailor made composite solutions for luxury yachts
1
sun awning system:
The easy way to install sun awning systems
for temporary
r service provides the yacht
ry
with more shaded living space.
1
2
5
4
6
2
2
3
3
multiflap system:
The “multiflap” gangway is compatible
with every individual need demand
and available in various designs.
multiguard system:
The integrated A/V and home
automation system, including lighting,
curtains and A/C, is by Videoworks in
Ancona. The system utilises the new
customisable Lutron QS system and
Crew Call application, which allows
the owner and guests to request crew
assistance via the iPad interface and
the call appears on a touch-screen in
the crew dinette and the galley.
After Palumbo retrofitted Stabilis
Electra stabilisers from CMC Marine
on a CRN Navetta and were happy
with their performance, the same
stabilisers have been installed
aboard the Sport Hybrid. Electrical
stabilisation offers several comfort
and noise-reduction advantages over
hydraulic systems. The actuation speed
is higher and can reach up to 80°/
sec (for hydraulic actuators it is rarely
more than 60°/sec), while at anchor
the fin acceleration/deceleration
phases can be better controlled thanks
to the lower inertia of the electrical
drive. Another advantage aboard the
Sport Hybrid, where technical space
was limited, is that by doing away with
hydraulic power packs and pistons they
take up less horizontal space.
Columbus Yachts’ team at Palumbo
Shipyard in Naples
INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY & ITALIAN STYLE
THE PERFECT BALANCE
multiguard is a temporary railing system.
Any size, colour and shape is possible.
The quick and secure attachment.
4
multifender system:
These are freely configurable, lightweight and constructed in a suspension system which absorbs energy.
5
multistair system:
The “multistair” side boarding ladder
is available in 2 basic types, and fulfils
every individual demand.
6
For over thirty years, TEAM Italia has been optimizing the
functional integration of the most advanced technologies
used in the shipbuilding sector.
Thanks to specific technical-electronic know-how, navigation,
telecommunications, safety and data transmission
equipment is brought together in a single system called
I-Bridge®, which enables comprehensive and extremely easy
control of the yacht, thus increasing safety levels at sea.
multiladder system:
The “multilight” bathing ladder is available in different designs; you can also
adapt the diving element “multiflipper”.
www.team-italia.it | info@team-italia.it
multiplex gmbh
Zur Westpier 3
D - 28755 Bremen
Phone: +49 (0)421 83 50 10.0
Fax:
+49 (0)421 67 88 68
contact@multiplexgmbh.com
www.multiplexgmbh.com
Head Office Viareggio (LU)
Tel +39 0584 393018
Tyrrhenian Coast Office Livorno (LI)
Tel +39 0586 426489
Adriatic Coast Office Fano (PU)
Tel +39 0721 855234
MARINE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
8
THE SUPERYACHT REPORT
THE SUPERYACHT REPORT
9
Naval Architecture
Exterior Design
Marine Engineering
Project Management
Columbus 40m Sport Hybrid
Delivery 2013
The sea, seen from the inside.
Every technical detail is designed to be aesthetically pleasing.
The ocean has no frontiers and neither does Miele’s dedication
to the nautical world. Miele Marine stands for high technology,
quality materials, efficiency and German reliability.
Electric cooktops and the whole CombiSet range furnish a
kitchen in the most flexible way – built-in electric and steam
ovens offering professional performance, dishwashers with
waterproof security systems and washing machines with
Softtronic controls, and professionale washing machines and
tumble dryers for high-performance results. Even a built-in
wine cellar for those who, in the middle of the ocean, would like
to enjoy a glass of good wine.
The result, as usual, is refined aesthetics and superior comfort.
Miele changes environment, but what does not change is the
standard in terms of reliability and safety, complemented by a
widespread high-quality customer service network available at
any latitude of the planet, both on the mainland and at sea.
Every aesthetic detail is thought to be technically efficient.
The trust of our customers rewards 25 years of experience, creativity and innovation.
www.hydrotec.it
info@hydrotec.it
Tel. +39/019/97191
in build report | Columbus Sport Hybrid
To add texture to a
colour palette that could
easily have appeared
bland, the designers
introduced wave patterns
and scallops into doors
and ceilings and threedimensional forms into
the fitted furniture by
Colombo Interiors.
In terms of exterior styling, Cutolo
was keen that the profile reflected
the yacht’s innovative on-board
systems and hybrid propulsion.
With its near vertical bow stem
and automotive-inspired lines, the
yacht certainly deserves its ‘Sport’
appellation. To reduce the mass of
the hull structure in profile and offer
uninterrupted views from the main
salon, the bulwarks feature glass
cut-outs that also serve as fold-down
balconies. These are complemented
by full-height glass doors, which were
engineered by Opacmare to either
slide or hinge open. With doors
open and balconies lowered, the
salon becomes a floating terrace with
unrivalled sea views.
The interior design is by the Hot
Lab studio in Milan and is based on
the owner’s fondness for wood, so
the décor relies on the tone-on-tone
application of American walnut and
lighter Tay wood veneers (all FSC
certified) for a sober and calming
ambiance. Bold contrasts and colours
have been avoided and much of the
stainless-steel detailing has a soft,
nickel finish. In fact, the studio’s
initial concepts featured more
decisive shades of wood, but these
were gradually toned down and given
a natural, water-based finish. The
warm timber tones are accompanied
by honey-brown Breccia Sarda and
creamy Adria Venato marble in the
bathrooms. As a semi-displacement
vessel, close attention had to be paid
to the weight of the interior fitting,
so all the stonework (excepting the
washbasins that are milled from
marble blocks) is mounted on a
honeycomb substrate.
lose sight of maritime tradition and the
corners of the furniture and fittings are
softly contoured to avoid sharp edges.
Thanks to the large windows and 2.3m
of headroom – exceptional for a 40m
yacht – the main salon and full-beam
owner’s suite are flooded with natural
light.
“We worked a lot on the interior layout
with the owner, which evolved rather
than changed over time,” says studio
co-partner Antonio Romano. “One
of his requests was for flexible living
spaces, so a sliding partition between
the double guest cabins on the lower
deck can be opened to create a single
VIP cabin whereby one bed is folded
away to become a sofa.”
To add texture to a colour palette that
could easily have appeared bland, the
designers introduced wave patterns
and scallops into doors and ceilings
and three-dimensional forms into the
fitted furniture by Colombo Interiors.
Although the interior design is
decidedly architectural, they did not
Other modifications included
removing a service corridor to increase
the size of the galley on the main
deck without interfering with the
workflow. Unusually, the dining table
is located aft of the main salon to take
full advantage of view provided by the
glass doors and fold-down bulwarks.
As the owner did not require a formal
exterior dining table, this solution
makes the best of both worlds and a bar
unit maximises use of the ‘dead zone’
leading on to the aft deck between the
engine room ventilation ducts. A late
change order was to replace the seating
and dining area on the foredeck in
front of the wheelhouse with a Jacuzzi,
which required some last-minute reengineering by Palumbo.
CONFERENCE YACHT SMART HOME
ACCURACY IS OUR KEY TO SUCCESS
ACCURACY IS OUR KEY TO SUCCESS
design and construction of highly efficient low-noise propellers and complete shaft lines up to 16 meters
design
construction
of highly
efficient low-noise
complete
shaft lines up to 16 meters
• repairsand
• pitch
and diameter
modifications
• general propellers
mechanicaland
workshop
• subcontracting
• repairs • pitch and diameter modifications • general mechanical workshop • subcontracting
SCHAFFRAN Propeller + Service GmbH
SCHAFFRAN
+ Service
Bei der GasanstaltPropeller
6-8, D-23560
Lübeck GmbH
Bei
6-8, D-23560
Lübeck
Tel: der
+49Gasanstalt
(0) 451-58323-0,
Fax: +49
(0) 451-58323-23
Tel: +49 (0) 451-58323-0, Fax: +49 (0) 451-58323-23
Agent in Italy
Agent
in Italy
Realizzazioni
Tecniche Navalmeccaniche Srl
Realizzazioni
www.retenav.itTecniche Navalmeccaniche Srl
www.retenav.it
Certificate DIN EN ISO 9001:2008
Certificate DIN EN ISO 9001:2008
info@schaffran-propeller.de • www.schaffran-propeller.de
info@schaffran-propeller.de • www.schaffran-propeller.de
®
®
Videoworks is pleased to have taken part in the construction of the Palumbo’s
new technological line “Columbus Sports Hybrid” a speedboat, sporty,
eco-friendly, stylish and equipped with all the comforts of a megayacht.
The realization of the integrated system by Videoworks foresees the control
by iPad of the entertainment system (audio and video) and lights, curtains
and air conditioning control.The control and management of lights uses
the new Lutron QS system in the main halls, in the shipowner’s area and
exteriors.Important news that Videoworks installed on this boat is the
application “CREW CALL”: the’ Owner and his guests can call via iPad the
crew whose members display their calls/requests on a 7.5’’ touch screens
in the sailors living room and in the kitchen.Our most sincere congratulations
and thanks to the Palumbo’s Family and all its very professional staff.
above, clockwise: main salon,
skylounge, guest twin bathroom &
owner cabin.
Columbus Sport Hybrid
Columbus Sport Hybrid 40M
Image: Thierry Ameller/superyachtimages.com
yard snapshot
Giuseppe Palumbo (below) and Palumbo Shipyards
first launched into the superyacht sphere in 2008
when their first Columbus-branded superyacht project
was conceived. Following her presentation at the
2011 Monaco Yacht Show, M/Y Prima (above) was
awarded with a RINA Green Plus Yacht Platinum for
the environmental commitment undertaken during her
construction.
REINTJES Hybrid-Systems –
The best choice for your vessel!
REINTJES hybrid systems are ideal for environmentally friendly
operation in harbours and green areas and enhance the
efficiency of your propulsion system.
They are suited for fixed-pitch propellers and available for
electric motors from 60 kW to 100 kW. The complete package
comprises the gearbox and a combined electric motor and
generator as well as a frequency converter – all components
come from REINTJES.
Feel free to contact us, we also have a “green” solution for
your vessel!
REINTJES GmbH | Eugen-Reintjes-Straße 7 | 31785 Hamelin | Germany
Tel. +49 51 51 104-0 | Fax +49 51 51 104-300 | www.reintjes-gears.de
Agent in Italy:
Realizzazioni Tecniche Navalmeccaniche Srl
Loc. Cà Verde | I-29011 Borgonovo val Tidone (PC) | Italy
Tel. +39 0523 86 96 11 | Fax +39 0523 86 10 77 | www.retenav.it
Palumbo’s objective was to build a nautical network of
excellence for new build and refit in the heart of the
Mediterranean, and his continuous investment in skilled
young people has contributed to the rapid growth of
the Palumbo Group, which now has four shipyards, one
in Naples, one in Messina and two in Malta. Through a
partnership with world-renowned naval architect Sergio
Cutolo, in whom the Palumbo Group has invested
a great deal, Palumbo added two further lines of
superyachts: the Classic and the Sport Hybrid.
At the moment Palumbo Shipyards has three superyachts
under construction: a second 40M Sport Hybrid, a 55M
and a 68M of the Classic line, due for delivery by 2015.
Columbus Sport Hybrid 40M is on display at 2013 Monaco Yacht Show
Visit us at stand QE14
in build report | Columbus Sport Hybrid
The Sport Hybrid 40m
represents an aesthetic and
technological step forward
for owners who are
mindful of environmental
issues, but do not want
to compromise when
it comes to looks and
performance.
Hot Lab devised the LED-based
interior lighting design with Cantalupi
and also worked on the exterior
illumination. LED lighting, for
example, is incorporated into the
carbon fibre pillars for the Multiplex
sun awnings on the upper deck.
The exterior design also makes use
of carbon fibre to highlight the
automotive-inspired styling, such as the
ventilation grilles that recall those on
an Aston Martin and a louvred carbon
fibre cowling partially covers the MOB
tender in the forepeak
With a sister ship already in build and
fleet of models that vary in length
from 25m to 65m, the Sport Hybrid
40m is one of those yachts that is worth
getting excited about. It represents
an aesthetic and technological step
forward for owners who are mindful
of environmental issues, but do not
want to compromise when it comes to
looks and performance. By combining
economical fuel consumption with
the freedom to choose the energy
source, its hybrid propulsion system is
a progressive yet rational solution in
an industry where diesel mechanical is
still the most efficient and cost-effective
means of power production. g
Images: Palumbo, Justin Ratcliffe Hot
Lab and Hydro Tec
To comment on this article, email
issue147@superyachtreport.com with
subject: A Hybrid That Makes Sense
Visit www.thesuperyachtreport.com/
extras to read the Palumbo Yard Report,
published in issue 124 of The Superyacht
Report, first published in June 2011.
Frigonautica
Reprinted from
The Superyacht Report, issue 147
Italian excellence
custom build refrigerators
V.Confin 64 - Torre di Mosto - VE - Italy
www. frigonautica.it - info@frigonautica.it
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By kind permission of
The Superyacht Group, Lansdowne House, 3–7 Northcote Road, London SW11 1NG, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7924 4004
Fax: +44 (0)20 7924 1004
E-mail: info@thesuperyachtgroup.com
Website: www.thesuperyachtgroup.com
Come to visit us at
Monaco Yacht Show 2013
- Stand QJ7 -