Sustainability takes a new tack - Meet AERA
by Royal Huisman 20 Sep 12:22 UTC
The shipyard celebrated for building the first hybrid superyacht leaps ahead with a concept utilizing an entire toolbox of cutting-edge technologies to boost efficiency and cut emissions.
In 2009, Royal Huisman delivered Ethereal, the world's first hybrid superyacht requiring a fraction of the energy of comparable yachts. Today, the shipyard unveils a 50m / 164ft concept yacht at the confluence of trailblazing technology, stunning design, and sailing excitement. AERA looks at the sustainability question in a new way, blending the latest technology to redefine cruising in comfort for yachts under 500GT.
AERA builds on the shipyard's 2024 launch of Project Tidal Shift, an environmental awareness initiative focused on ecological preservation through environmental, social, and governance practices. Seeking partners with similar goals, Royal Huisman and sister company Rondal found kindred spirits in designer Cor D. Rover and Artemis Technologies.
The result of their collaboration is a totally new kind of superyacht. Is it a super-efficient sailing yacht with automated systems that make sailing easier, or a motoryacht that gets a big boost from wind to limit emissions to near zero? AERA is a yacht where one does not have to choose between sail or power; you can enjoy the flexibility and excitement of both.
"The exterior DNA of the concept is heavily inspired by traditional as well as modern lattice bridges." — Cor D. Rover, the designer of AERA
The culmination of a multi-year R&D program, Concept AERA propels hyper-efficient wing sails beyond America's Cup and Sail GP into the world of superyachting. Paired with remarkable computer control technology, this next-generation Wing Sail makes AERA as easy to get under way and operate as a motoryacht.
Her radical-looking Wing Sail is more powerful and at the same time it will be less complicated, quieter, and easier to operate than traditional sails. The wing developed by Artemis Technologies is unstayed, as are the Dynarigs on Maltese Falcon and Black Pearl, and the three furling masts on Sailing Yacht A. Unlike those yachts, however, AERA's 245m2 / 2,640sqft Wing Sail by Rondal will be capable of rotating 360 degrees for excellent sailing performance and to depower completely while staying upright.
It has no additional sails to deploy or flap, and it requires no sheets, blocks, furlers, or winches on deck, nor captive reels taking up space below. Two electric motors housed around the mast column inside the yacht rotate the wing mast. Hydraulic cylinders control the adjustable flaps along its trailing edge to generate lift and forward momentum, or feather it completely in a neutral position by aligning with the breeze.
Decarbonizing Yachting
"We are about decarbonizing the maritime sector," said Dr. Iain Percy, CEO and founder of Artemis Technologies — a spin off from Artemis Racing. "While part of Artemis Technologies is still involved in high performance sailing through their consulting division, Artemis Applied Technologies, much of its work is in developing electric foiling technology for commercial vessels, an area that's rapidly gaining traction."
"A few years ago, Royal Huisman and Rondal's Innovation Department contacted us about the possibility of using wing sails on sailing superyachts to reduce their emissions." Iain Percy said he at first thought that since the superyachts had sails, their carbon footprint should be, "no problem." Then he learned that, except when they might be competing in a regatta or unless guests request it, they don't sail as much as they could. Iain continues: "So our shared passion here was to take away the barriers to using the force of the wind to decarbonize."
After many design meetings and simulations, Rondal and Artemis Technologies created a prototype of a wing sail for cruising sailboats. The 8m / 26ft wing was tested for more than two years on a 7m / 22ft keel boat at the shipyard's facilities in Vollenhove, the Netherlands. Some of the important data came from leaving it up 24/7 in all conditions, observing that it could handle high winds to ensure the safety of the boat below it while moored. In parallel, Artemis Technologies, Rondal, and Royal Huisman began scaling up.
The 35m / 115ft tall Wing Sail powering AERA is a distant cousin of the sail on America's Cup boats. Yet, the AERA Wing Sail has no stays or shrouds and no jib. It isn't controlled by a main sheet. Still, it applies the same very efficient aerodynamics, which is the same principle that allows airplanes to fly. The innovative, next-generation airfoil-shaped section at the front is paired with "flaps" aft that angle up to 30 degrees and can be controlled for more or less camber to power up or ease off by spilling air.
Preliminary Velocity Prediction Programs (VPP) predict she will be a solid performer in 15 knots of breeze, sailing well as close to a 45 degrees to true wind angle. Like all wing sailboats, she'll need to broad reach and gibe downwind. But without any shrouds and stays, this narrow profile sail can safely gybe by rotating across the bow.
The forward portion of the wing is a thin-walled, carbon fiber structure, while the flaps behind are carbon fiber and Mylar foil. It rotates around its axis as needed, depending on wind angle and desired course. To stop sailing, the flaps are centered and the Wing Sail simply aligns with the wind direction and freely rotates to stay set that way. The micro adjustments needed to accomplish this are part of the yacht's automated sail control system, along with data sensors such as wind speed and direction, and the yacht's motions.
Underway, automatic sail trim ensures optimal performance and fuel savings, prevents overload, and enhances onboard comfort. Crew can override and manually sail the wing, or use preset configurations to prioritize speed, course, comfort, or efficiency. The yacht has a draft of 3m / 9ft with her centerboards in the up position. With the boards down to full extension at 7m / 24ft, AERA will track like she's on rails.
More power in a smaller package
While it might look large, the airfoil shape of AERA's Wing Sail has 10 times less drag than a conventional tube mast (even with the sails lowered) of the same frontal area due to its streamlined shape. What's more, calculations run by Artemis Technologies show Rondal's Wing Sail is so efficient that to provide the same power, a traditional Bermudian rig would need to be taller and fly 60 to 80% more sail area. To begin sailing, all the captain needs to do is set the desired course, and the onboard control system determines the optimal wing angle and trim.
If wind alone isn't enough to meet propulsion requirements, this Wing Sail is also highly effective at motorsailing. When wind is light or its direction isn't ideal for the desired course, the system will calculate how much power assist is needed and decide how to most efficiently power the retractable electric propulsion units in each hull.
The programmable logic system directing energy use can draw electricity silently from the battery bank or activate variable speed generators running on HVO biodiesel to keep the yacht's DC power grid topped up. This eco-friendly fuel reduces CO 2 emissions by up to 89%, eliminates 40 to 80% of particulates (soot), and produces 8% less NOx.
AERA performs well with a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. At 8 knots, she has more than transatlantic range under power alone.
AERA, the groundbreaking hybrid catamaran that redefines sustainability offering her owner a near zero-emission option by combining wind power with electricity from a battery storage system charged by hydro- generators or a hydrogen fuel cell. For longer voyages batteries can be charged by gensets running on HVO.
The thought behind the concept, as Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman puts it, is to make sailing more accessible. "We know from research that sailing yachts don't set the sails in full that much of the time, especially when they are going short distances between harbors. For some sailing superyachts, running lines, hoisting, and adjusting all sails can take half an hour or more. Additionally, the yacht requires a skilled sailing crew plus an interior team to secure furniture and other objects. For a short cruise to the next bay, we understand that it may not seem worthwhile."
"Aboard AERA, while raising the anchor, the captain enters the destination, sets the wing to automatic trim, the wing sail responds, and you are sailing in less than a minute. Without the challenge of operating a conventional sailing system, no rigging, blocks, winches, and sail tracks, booms swinging overhead, or furlers, sheets and sails. It is basically as easy as operating a motoryacht. And, with just two degrees of maximum heel, it is comfortable and safe for guests to move around the decks while the yacht is under way. We have designed AERA with simplicity and safety in mind, so you can sail with confidence," says Jan Timmerman.
Turning to the design
"The wing sail concept was really intriguing to me. And of course, I was delighted to help Royal Huisman," says Cor D. Rover, who, with his team, is the designer of AERA. "During a couple of months of exchanging ideas, we were convinced that a catamaran was the perfect platform, both for a psychological approach to the fixed wing and for a cat's inherent stability under sail. And on top of that, you get phenomenal decks."
The designer's challenge included creating a look and a layout attractive to both sailors and non-sailors. This was another reason for choosing the multi-hull route. Catamarans, by their nature, provide incredible amounts of deck space for the alfresco living experience. AERA boasts 670m 2 / 7,212sqft of exterior deck space, spanning her 50m / 164ft length, comparable to a typical 65 to 70m / 213 to 230ft monohull motoryacht.
Cor D. Rover's unique and fresh approach to alfresco living resulted in a variety of exterior spaces for different functions and different size groups building a sense of destinations aboard the yacht.
While most sailing superyachts have one exterior deck and sometimes a flybridge, AERA ups the attraction with three decks, plus a large stern section that can move between the main deck and water level to serve also as a swim platform or to launch the yacht's tenders and watersports equipment.
Some yachts are asymmetrical on one deck; AERA is asymmetrical on two. Alternating them creates a unique look to the structure and a fresh approach to arrangement plans. The designer notes that everything began from a "meandering shape" to connect the decks he had drawn in the structural plan with a serpentine line. This sensuous line starts at the mast collar and winds its way to the waterline.
At night, the exterior laser light product showcased aboard Phi and Special One dramatically echoes the underlying shapes. This system, designed to enhance the yacht's silhouette, emits continuous glowing threads of light that highlights its exotic lines, creating dramatic visual effect in any chosen color.
At first glance, the yacht's superstructure appears to fully fill the 15m / 47ft beam, but as Cor D. Rover noted, that would have resulted in a measurement above 500GT. A lattice superstructure framework reminiscent of many fixed bridges forms the profile, yet the openings are not filled with glass. While the exterior of the yacht is a very geometric shell, the free-flowing interior creates an intriguing, experiential contrast.
AERA boasts 694 square meter / 7,470 square feet of exterior deck space, spanning her 50 meter / 164 feet length, comparable to a typical 65 to 70 meter / 213 to 230 feet monohull motoryacht.
AERA uniquely explores the idea of living spaces being irregularly shaped modules floating between the decks rather than constrained as part of the yacht's superstructure. The living spaces, linked by shaded walkways, become destinations rather than a series of adjacent rooms and hallways. Besides wow factor, the design has the very real benefit of reducing interior heat loading and HVAC demands due to the windows being shaded by the latticework and deck overhangs.
The general arrangement shows an owner's suite on main deck and four guest cabins below; however, the hull accommodations can be arranged in any number of ways, including four guest cabins or two VIP suites with their own sitting rooms.
In the concept as presented, the interior section of the main suite is 44m2 / 478sqft. Its private exterior deck is an additional 153m2 / 1,647sqft, including a pool and a covered massage cabana.
Cabins for seven crew are envisioned below, plus a captain's cabin on the bridge deck. Additional features include a second glass-bottomed dipping pool located at the stern of the main deck, multiple dining options both indoors and outdoors, and exterior lounges situated on each deck.
As one member of the team predicted, AERA will have the space of a New York penthouse overlooking Central Park. Yet, each day a different, and better view.
"I didn't need to create a beach club area because the entire yacht is a beach club with the emphasis on outdoor spaces, except for the cabins in the hulls," Cor D. Rover said. The fore and aft ends of the upper decks are at angles to the one above or below, creating different areas of light and shade on each deck. To prepare for cruising, the tenders are loaded on the center section of the
swim platform, which lifts to main deck level.
A new hybrid approach
Cruising propulsion is one thing, but much of the environmental load of a yacht comes from powering the household systems - often called the hotel load - of the vessel while it is under sail or at anchor. And here, AERA will be more environmentally sound as well. Royal Huisman has designed the yacht to power the hotel load, including air conditioning and pool heating, with a battery bank charged by the latest generation of Hydro Generators from Rondal, or low-temperature PEM hydrogen fuel cells. On her 580kWh DC battery bank alone, the yacht can operate for 11 hours while anchored or sailing.
Groundbreaking technological work by the shipyard is re-shaping industry practices
Three 62 kg / 137lbs hydrogen storage bottles, like those already in use aboard hydrogen-powered electric tenders give the 60kW high-efficiency fuel cell the ability to generate just over 3,000ekWh of electricity that can be stored in the battery banks Predicting the average energy consumption while anchored with guests aboard, this results in a silent, zero-emission period of 72 hours.
These alternative fuel sources, plus careful engineering incorporating the most efficient refrigeration, HVAC, and waste-heat recovery systems available, will give AERA an impressive YETI score according to preliminary calculations by the shipyard team. Validation by an independent third party is in process.
When AERA does navigate under power, the propulsion will come from a pair of forward-facing 500kW electric RPS (retractable propulsion system) units, the same technology pioneered for Royal Huisman's 60m / 196ft SARISSA, launched in 2023. These unique units, with their efficient electric motors housed below the hull in azimuthing drive legs, won an "Innovation of the Year" award in 2024. Independently controllable, they will give AERA excellent maneuverability and eliminate the need for stern thrusters.
With the propellers retracted, the hydrodynamic drag is significantly reduced, allowing the yacht to accelerate to her full sailing potential much more quickly. Since the drive units are electric, they can be powered by the yacht's batteries to operate silently (without any exhaust fumes) when leaving a harbor or navigating through a marine protected area.
"AERA represents more than technological advancement" — Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman CEO
The substance below the structure
"Royal Huisman has long been at the forefront of technology. When other yards say something is impossible, we investigate and frequently conclude it can be done," summarizes Jan Timmerman. "With AERA, we are showcasing our commitment to research and development to advance positive ideas and to attract prospective owners with a new type of yachting. Every mile sailed by wind is a gain for sustainability. AERA is a vessel that embodies harmony with natural forces and an innovative spirit. As the name suggests, the yacht moves as one with the wind, seamlessly and gracefully."
Main data and specifications
- Exterior and interior design: Cor D. Rover Design
- Naval architect: Artemis Technologies
- Builder: Royal Huisman
- Length: 50m / 164ft
- Beam maximum: 14.5m / 47ft
- Draft (board up - down): 3 - 7m / 9 - 24ft
- Accommodation: 10 guests + 7 crew
- Gross tonnage: 499 GT
- Construction: Aluminum hulls and superstructure
- Classification: Lloyd's Register: ? 100A1 SSC YACHT Mono G6, [?] LMC, UMS, Hybrid Power. Royal Huisman has received Lloyd's type approval for the storage and use of hydrogen bottles aboard yachts.
- Mooring winches: 8x RW-6000HW, 6 tonnes pulling, 9 tonnes holding power
- Spars: Rondal Aero Wing Sail, carbon composite, 35m / 115ft;
- Air draft: 43m / 142ft; 245m2 / 2,640sqft, automated wing control, wing stowing system
- Propulsion system: Two swing retractable, azimuthing thrusters with direct connected PM motors, 500kW each; 5-blade fixed pitch pulling propellers
- Generator system: Two variable speed Volvo D13-700 generator sets with 515bkW @ max RPM; 485 ekW-DC; HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) compatible
- Energy storage system (ESS): Hydrogen Low Temperature PEM type fuel cell, 60kW nominal, 72kW peak; 3x 62kg hydrogen storage cylinders (total: 186kg / 410lbs), 500 bar: equals approx. 3,000ekWh after conversion; Lithium-ion LFP battery bank: 580kWh
- Hydro generators: 4x Rondal below water, ultra efficient regeneration pod of 15kW; at 12 knots speed: 40kW (matching hotel load)
- Tank capacities:
- HVO fuel: 20,000lt / 5,283 gallon;
- Urea: 4% of fuel capacity;
- Fresh water: 16,000lt / 4,227 gallon
- Black / grey water: 6,000lt / 1,585 gallon
- Speed: 12 knots cruising / 14 knots maximum
- Range: Transatlantic, 2750nm @ 8 knots motoring
- Zero emission mode: 72 hours