solar powered motor yacht

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Review: Silent 55, the extraordinary solar powered yacht

• January 18, 2019

Silent Yachts is tapping into the solar zeitgeist and creating a new meaning for the term ‘powercat’.  Sam Fortescue reports

There is a slow, silent revolution under way in the yachting world. It is a revolution that is introducing tonnes of lithium and a sprinkling of silicon to the spec list of new boats. Holding out the promise of silent mobility, plus limitless domestic power on board, it made a big splash at the last Cannes Festival of Yachting – not least thanks to the new Silent 55 catamaran which debuted there.

From the pontoon side, the Silent 55 looks like a typical modern catamaran, with a big coachroof studded with windows and a flybridge helm. Except there’s no mast. Now, bear with me here. I realise that this is a sailing magazine, but we will shortly get back to more familiar territory. The unique qualities of this catamaran only become apparent from up top, where an expanse of solar panels stretches away fore and aft, embedded into the coachroof. The hard top itself carries yet more panels, and can be folded down flush to give an unshaded solar array of 49m2. During the heat of a summer day in the Med, this is capable of generating 10kW of power and up to around 60kWh in the course of the day.

But to make a solar system work in reality, Köhler had to go back to the drawing board on yacht design. The saloon and hulls have extra thermal insulation to keep air-con losses down, and the use of carbon and aramid in key areas helps reduce the overall weight to a decent 17 tonnes (a Lagoon 52 weighs 22.5 tonnes). He has tried to keep windows out of the direct sun with long overhangs and in contrast to the Lagoon’s 12 deck hatches, the Silent 55 has just two.

Holistic design

On the other hand, it has lots of opening windows, to allow a natural draught to do its job. “It’s a holistic approach – you can’t take the batteries and the drivetrain and drop it into another boat.”

Of course, using the propulsion system quickly takes its toll of the boat’s 140kW battery bank. The model on display at Cannes had two 135kW motors, giving you just half an hour of silent motoring flat-out, albeit at a top speed of over 20 knots. More reasonable 30kW engines and a single-digit speed give you greater range. Nonetheless, the electric drive alone isn’t going to allow you to outrun a storm, or race home after a day at anchor, so the boat is designed to work with a generator hidden in the heavily insulated transom of its starboard hull. At cruising speed of around 5-6 knots, Köhler says there is rarely any need to use the generator, citing an owner who has just emailed him triumphantly about a second year totally generator-free. “In the end, you have to compare it to the performance of a sailing boat,” Köhler says. “It is as fast as a sailing boat in similar conditions – after all, there is no wind without sun.” He went so far as to tell me during the sea trial in Palma, Mallorca, that he believed the majority of sailors would happily dispense with the hassle of sails and a rig if only they could enjoy silent motoring and anchoring. “As soon as people realise the incredible concept of this boat, they won’t understand why they ever did anything else.”

The market does not seem to agree with him – yet. Sales of the boat have been good – they have already sold six, five of which are already in the water. But of those, four customers have taken the sail option, which means planting a 19.7m tall mast complete with boom and rigging slap bang in the middle of the coachroof solar array. “I was a bit amazed,” Köhler admits. “The shade from the rig reduces the energy generated by the solar area, while it costs more and is heavier, so consumes more fuel. Maybe it is for optical reasons.” In fact, the shade of the rig slashes the average yield of the solar panels in half. In the Med, that means around 30kWh per day. But perhaps it figures. The typical profile of buyers is an environmentalist who has a Tesla electric car and is “an early adopter who likes to have things before others”. And at low speeds, with modest use of the air-con, the reduced energy generation should still cover daily consumption.

The performance under sail should be reasonable because of the lightweight build of the boat, its broad 8.47m beam and stub keels added to each hull. Control lines are led back via conduits in the coachroof to the flybridge helm station, to make single-handing under sail a possibility.

More interesting, I think, is a sort of halfway-house option using a kite rig. This optimises the performance of the solar panels and gives plenty of propulsion. On the smaller 55 and the 64, Silent Yachts currently recommends a 19m2 kite that costs around €25,000 – a fraction of the cost of a new mast, boom, shrouds and sails. “The sail automatically makes a figure of eight above the boat, and you can steer it with a joystick or an app on an android phone,” Köhler explains. “It can propel the 55 at up to 6 knots, even in light winds.” Perfect for an Atlantic crossing, then.

For the bigger Silent 79, which will hit the water in the summer, a commercial grade Sky Sail system needs to be used – a smaller version of the ones used on cargo ships. This kite can propel the boat at ten knots, but it costs more than ten times as much as its smaller cousin. Both are capable of pulling the boat upwind. So far, so new. But outside the novel energy and propulsion system, the Silent 55 aims to do what many other cruising catamarans are trying to achieve. “Most of our clients order for circumnavigation and long-term cruising,” Köhler says. So the boat is aimed to be as comfortable and capable as possible with watermakers, TVs and an induction hob that all capitalise on the boat’s abundant energy. A flexible configuration allows owners the choice 
of between three and six cabins – the latter designed for charter. The owner’s cabin lies forward of the saloon, under the windows of the coachroof, which provide magnificent views and abundant natural light. There’s a walk-around bed and steps down into the starboard hull give access to an en-suite shower room and heads.

In my view, the best cabin lies aft of this, accessed in the traditional manner down steps out of the saloon. The king-sized bed lies athwartships and the shower is larger than that of the master cabin. There’s more space down here, better headroom and still plenty of light courtesy of the many hull lights.

When I had the chance to sea trial the Silent 55, albeit in motorboat format, I jumped at it. It was a contrary autumn day on Mallorca with 15 knots breeze – just a shame, then, that this wasn’t one of the sailing configured versions.

To start with, getting on board is made really easy courtesy of deep boarding platforms on the skirts. She feels rather square because of that vast, glazed saloon with its deep overhang, and perhaps because of the utilitarian nature of the hard top, which is really about supporting more solar panels. Nevertheless, the side decks are broad and uncluttered. The space up top is designed to concertina down flat, hence the hydraulic rams, fold-down seat back and lowering console. It makes a great sailing position, though, with all round visibility, and is also perfect for sundowners at anchor. When the rain comes down, this feels quite exposed, but there is a fully sheltered helm at the front of the saloon, and it is also possible to drive the boat from anywhere using a tablet thanks to smart electronics. Under power, the handling is superb. The quietness of the motors is astonishing, and I gather they’ll be inaudible on the next boat, which will do away with the gearbox. Even in the aft cabins, directly above the motors, there is no more than a distant hum. The boat responds instantly to the power and the wind seemed to have no impact at all. As with any propulsion system, the power consumption jumps as you pile on the speed – it was sobering to see. At 6 knots, both motors drew 10kW but at 8 knots it was closer to 30kW. I liked the huge saloon with its raised table for 360º views. And the sliding door and window gives great access aft, connecting the saloon and cockpit in fine conditions. The finish was smart and in muted tones, feeling more Scandinavian than German.

Intriguingly, at least it seems to me, Köhler has tapped into something with the concept behind Silent Yachts – but not entirely for the reasons that he expected. Buyers are opting for the sail or kite versions of the boat because they want a comfortable wind-powered craft with abundant, quiet energy on tap. It brings a whole new meaning to the 
term ‘powercat’

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How Zero-Emission, Solar-Powered Yachts Entered Boating’s Mainstream

Yacht builders are designing zero-emissions yachts to compete with diesel-chugging rivals. they're so quiet you can hear dolphins swim by., shaun tolson, shaun tolson's most recent stories.

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For many years, yacht builders adding solar panels to their boats discovered those panels would typically power a few things like the electricity and galley, and if they helped with propulsion, it would only carry a boat so far. In the last few years, new companies and boat-builders have emerged that are proving solar can be the main source of power—a big deal considering that most yachts are solitary creatures that are entirely reliant on a specific form of propulsion. No boaters wants to be 50 miles away from civilization in a turbulent ocean and suddenly see their engines go out. It’s not like they can call AAA.

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The problem was that most yacht builders were sticking panels into yachts that were never designed to be self-sustaining. Boyd Taylor realized that several years ago as he was conceptualizing solar-powered catamarans for his company Serenity Yachts . Near the end of 2019, Taylor oversaw the launch of the Serenity 74, with almost 1,200-square-feet of solar panels. Those panels support all of the yacht’s onboard functions, while it cruises at 9 to 11 mph indefinitely.

The yacht functions so capably—using only solar power—because Boyd and his team of engineers started from the water up. They created an electrical system designed to only use solar energy. “We started with the solar system and built the rest of the boat around it,” Boyd told Robb Report. 

Soel Yachts is one of the latest builders to introduce a solar-powered catamaran for emissions-free cruising.  Courtesy Soel Yachts

Once the electrical system was in place, Serenity Yachts ’ team of naval architects and engineers designed a lightweight boat made of carbon-fiber weave, not pure fiberglass. Taylor says a fiberglass boat that size would weigh 8 tons more. Despite that emphasis on lightweight design, a Serenity Yacht still features interior accents and design materials that mean luxury. Granite countertops, for example, are built around a honeycomb structure, so only a thin layer of granite is needed.

Other boatbuilders have gained traction in the marketplace, as well. Soel Yachts , a Dutch company founded in 2011, recently launched its Soel Senses 48, a 48-foot pleasure craft that can sail at a top speed of 21 mph and cruise up to 56 nautical miles at 14 mph. Like Serenity, the Soel Senses 48 was designed for “high-efficiency electric propulsion,” as the company states—in other words, it was designed from the very beginning with solar power in mind.

Silent Yachts is one of the leaders in the solar-powered yachts industry, having just launched an 80-foot tri-deck catamaran that is powered by more than 1,200 square feet of solar panels.

Serenity’s 74-footer makes use of the catamaran’s wide beam, while adding windows across the entire upper salon.  Courtesy Serenity Yachts

In September, BYD Group , a full-service naval architecture and engineering firm in Spain, unveiled a new all-electric, self-sufficient 65-foot coastal cruiser dubbed Eegle. Positioned as a “game changer in the world of eco-friendly motoryachts,” the Eegle is equipped with 323-square feet of solar panels on its hardtop. Those panels, combined with four, 150-kilowatt electric engines, allows the yacht to cruise 1,080 nautical miles at 8 mph.

“Today, solar panels are much more advanced and can be adapted to more surface shapes than in the past, giving us more freedom to install solar panels in more areas,” says Tià Simó, a co-founder of BYD Group.

Beyond offering clean, eco-friendly sustainability, the benefits that an exclusively solar-powered yacht can offer, according to Taylor, are what your senses don’t pick up while on board.

BYD’s master suite shows the design advances that have been made in the last year in solar yachting.  Courtesy BYD Yachts

“You’re running a silent boat,” he says. “You don’t have the smell of diesel fumes or the vibrations and rumblings of a diesel engine. You get to smell the salty air and hear the waves slap against the hull of the boat. You can actually hear dolphins splashing in the water. You not only get to enjoy this incredible scenery and enjoy nature in all of its majesty, you get to know that you’re leaving it the way it was when you came.”

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Aquanima 40 series

Azura marine, this $500,000 electric yacht can cross oceans on just battery and solar power.

Singapore-based Azura Marine unveiled a new $500,000 electric yacht that they claim can complete “non-stop ocean voyages powered only by sunlight.”

The electrification of transport is slowly spreading into maritime transport.

While the focus has been commercial vehicles like ferries, it is also reaching leisure and personal vessels.

Azura Marine is the latest to enter the space with its first solar-powered catamaran yacht, the Aquanima 40 series, unveiled earlier this month in Bali, Indonesia.

The company describes the electric vessel:

“She is a unique 4 cabin, 8 guest yacht designed for extended cruising without any need for fossil fuels or refuelling stops of any nature. The Aquanima 40 solar-powered catamarans are also equipped with a 56 m2 rain catchment system, water maker and air conditioning water recovery – rendering water supply stops unnecessary too.”

Here are a few pictures of the Aquanima 40 series solar yacht:

Azura Marine claims that the vessel can continuously cruise thanks to its large 10 kW solar power system and 60 kWh battery pack.

Here are some of the specs of the Aquanima 40 series:

• LOA 13,25 m
• Draft 65 cm
• Propulsion Power: 2 x 10 kW
• Solar Power: 10 kW
• Main Battery Bank Capacity: 60 kWh

The company writes about the capacity of the electric vessel:

“For the owner, this means limitless cruising with no fuel costs, no noise or vibration, no smells, no polluting emissions and no disturbance of marine life.  The electric motors are virtually maintenance-free with only a couple of low-cost bearings to be replaced at 20,000 hours (more than a typical lifetime usage of a yacht).”

Here are some pictures from inside the electric yacht:

The company lists several amenities available onboard its new electric vessel:

“The yacht offers all the comfort to be expected of a modern cruiser with air conditioning, fully equipped galley including ice maker, hob and sink.  On this version, the bathroom and toilet is on main deck for greater ease of access as this vessel is strongly oriented towards enjoying the outdoors, exploring hidden bays with the electric dinghy or diving on pristine reefs. Onboard Solar Eclipse, all water is self-produced, including fresh and drinking water, thanks to the yacht’s water-maker, air conditioning water recovery system and gigantic rain water collecting solar roof.  She features a high quality marine sound system and all round WIFI connectivity.”

Azura Marine Co-Founder and CEO Julien Mélot commented on the launch of the new electric vessel:

“it was an enormous thrill to launch the yacht last week and undertake her first few miles at sea.  The yacht met all our expectations and while the design makes for near silent operation with exceptional responsiveness, it was incredible to actually experience it  – and all in the knowledge that we were not producing any harmful pollution or emissions.  With some strong winds and a very tight to enter marina berth, we were delighted by how easy the yacht was to manoeuvre.  We simply cannot wait to take her out on her maiden voyage.”

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Recharge at Sea: Solar Catamarans Harness Sun-Powered Serenity

Just as a residential solar system makes a house independent of an electricity grid, a marine solar panel makes a yacht independent of a fossil fuel powered generator. Catamarans boosted by solar power systems are increasingly in demand in today’s day and age for their increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Here is everything you should know about solar catamarans from Sunreef Yachts Eco :

An Introduction to Solar Catamarans

Derived from natural sources, renewable energy is replenished at a far higher rate than consumed. Of these, solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy resource on Earth that may even be harnessed during cloudy weathers. Additionally, because sunlight remains omnipresent, powering a watercraft with solar energy is a fitting concept.

Before we continue exploring the subject of solar catamarans, let us focus on the architecture. The twin hull structure of catamarans translates into a large beam, which provides ample space for solar panels installation. To top it off, catamarans have a fairly shallow draft that produces little to no drag, making them exceptionally energy efficient .

Marine solar panels are currently gaining substantial popularity amongst catamaran designers and manufacturers as a medium of supplying clean energy via a reliable source. Sunreef Yachts Eco is a pioneer in solar catamarans as we believe that the incorporation of a solar power system into yachts births an environmentally friendly yachting solution with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

The Benefits of Solar Catamarans

The ocean is home to the largest continuous ecosystems; unfortunately, it also remains the most sensitive. Millions of people across the globe indulge in recreational marina and boating activities leaving behind pollution in their wake.

Here are three ways in which solar catamarans rectify commonly occurring hazards for the greater good of the environment:

1. Fuel (oil or gasoline) spills and the discharge of combusted fuels from engines readily contaminates water surrounding the marinas. This aggravates toxicity levels in water, resulting in increased pollutant concentrations in aquatic organisms and sediments.

For illustration, coral reefs, which are a vital source of nitrogen and nutrients for marine food chains and provide shelter for over one million aquatic species, are nearing extinction due to water pollution. Installing solar panels would, without a doubt, decrease the dependency of all types of watercrafts on non-renewable energy sources, i.e., fossil fuels, for operations and increase energy efficiency.

2. Noise from moving gas-powered ships cuts straight to the sea floor and back. These acoustic vibrations transmitting end-to-end affect marine animals to a great extent. Research suggests that human-caused noises result in disrupted behaviours, increased stress, and impaired feeding in marine life, leading to injury and death. Solar catamarans are far quieter than their combustion-driven counterparts; thus, they maintain the oceanic silence vital for the marine life as it enables communication and continuous growth.

3. The elimination of fuels also makes solar yachts more affordable to run and maintain in the long haul. In comparison to fuel powered generators, solar catamarans produce electricity at a lower cost since solar panels obtain power via the sunlight, a renewable source of energy that is present in abundance. But even if your catamaran utilizes both fuel and solar power, you are still to enjoy significant savings on fuel.   

Why Power A Boat with Solar Panels   

Apart from the obvious environmental factors, solar panels fulfil an important criterion for the oceangoing voyagers who do not wish to be left stranded far from land with a dead battery: unlimited backup power.   

On a typical sailing day, there is ample sunlight to ensure the backup battery restores enough power to generate electricity that keeps motors, electrical systems, and onboard appliances running. An added benefit of solar panels is that they continue to generate power even when the catamaran is at a standstill. This energy is stored in batteries for later use.   

Furthermore, unlike gas powered generators, solar catamarans do not produce excessive heat, are quieter, and experience little to no vibrations. This allows boat trips to remain pleasant for sailors and vacationers.   

Sunreef Yachts combines luxury with sustainability to offer noiseless, vibration-free, and fume-free cruising experiences. Launched under the Sunreef Yachts Eco flag, our sailing and motor yachts are powered using inhouse engineered solar panels that are fully integrated within their composite structure for optimal results. However, an additional asset for sailing solar catamarans remains the ability to combine eco motoring with wind propulsion with the use of high-performance kites.   

The Mechanism of the Solar Power System   

Classification of solar panels   .

There are various kinds of solar panels available for marine boats: adjustable panels, standard panels, and high-energy thin-film panels. While some may argue that having a portable solar panel makes it easier to relocate to where the sun shines the brightest, permanently mounted panels remain ready to go throughout the day.

Despite their long life, standard panels often fail to find a place in the marine industry as they compromise the space availability onboard. Hence, high-energy thin-film panels emerge as winners due to their ability of being permanently embedded on the solar catamaran’s bodywork without restricting living space.

The research and development team at Sunreef Yachts Eco developed the industry’s first composite integrated photovoltaic technology to produce highly efficient, shock resistant, flexible, and ultra-thin solar panels. This in-house engineered solar power system was recognized as a winner of the German Design Award 2022 in the category of Excellent Product Design: Eco Design .

Each solar panel consists of photovoltaic cells, compromising of a positive and negative layer for creating an electrical field. These are made of singly-crystal silicon, a semiconductor that absorbs the radiations of the sun to produce electrical power via the photovoltaic effect. For better understanding: the photovoltaic effect is the process of converting photons (a particle of light) to voltage.

Technical Specifications of Solar Panels

While the average solar panels’ weight lies between 8 to 15 kilograms per square meter, Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar cells have a thickness below one millimetre and weigh only 1.8 kilograms per square meter. This makes Sunreef Yachts Eco the lightest marine solar power system producer in the solar catamaran market.

Each of the solar cells administered into the Sunreef solar catamarans are ISO 9001:2015 certified and offer a peak performance of ±24 percent, this is 25 to 30 percent more power compared to conventional cells. Despite this, these solar cells do not heat up excessively when receiving sunlight.

Integration Into the Solar Catamarans Structure

The orientation of the sun should be as such as that it hits the solar panels at a 90° angle for best performance. However, with the Earth rotating around its axis to produce a 24-hour day, it is non-viable to ensure the perfect angle throughout the day.

What is more is that the amount of energy produced may also differ depending on external factors, such as a building preventing direct sunlight from hitting the solar panels or light experiencing diffraction from the waterbody before contact. For this reason, it is best to invest in high-efficiency solar cells that generate maximum energy even from limited number of active panels.

Sunreef Yachts Eco makes the most of its solar catamarans’ space availability by spreading its “solar skin” across the hulls, mast, superstructure, bow terrace and bimini roof. Due to this arrangement, the solar panels receive ample sunlight at desired angles from early morning to late afternoon.

At the same time, light rays bouncing off the surface of water to the solar panels, in a process called reflection, also helps generate electricity. These superior performance solar panels possess great strength and durability to survive adverse conditions, year after year.

Generation of Electricity on Solar Catamarans

The crystals in marine solar cells are treated to enable the movement of electrons to generate an electric current. These silicon electrons activate only when in direct contact with sunrays. Instantaneously they start producing direct current (or DC) charges, which is captured by wires and stored in the batteries as energy.

At this point, a charge controller is employed as a regulator for the energy to transfer from the solar panels to the battery. It not only manages the energy load received by the battery, but also prolongs the battery life and performance by ensuring the battery is not overcharged or overloaded. Solar catamarans deploy multiple charge controllers depending on the energy produced.

While the current may be supplied directly to support the electrical demands of the catamaran, if the appliances demand alternating current (or AC), an inverter is added to the cycle to convert the DC to AC first.

Solar Catamarans in Action

But how much energy is enough energy? Working out a catamarans’ energy requirements requires summing up the energy consumed by each device onboard in watt-hours. For better understanding: energy is power accumulated over time, so if power is calculated in watts, energy is watt-hours.

Hence, the first step of installing solar panels dictates an extensive energy assessment of the watercraft. This requires checking the labels of every individual appliance onboard for its typical amp hours and volts used, be it the fridge, fan, or lightbulb. A battery monitor can also help measure energy consumed more accurately.

Depending on the size of the catamaran and the energy consumed, the solar panels size and wattage of power can be precisely determined. Multiple solar panels may be wired together to form a solar array for maximum energy generation. Aiming to fulfil the power needs of your catamaran with solar panels allows you to enjoy a quiet, peaceful anchorage.

Overcoming The Challenges of Solar Catamarans

While yacht solar panels resolve the problem for keeping the batteries topped up without running the generator, solar power systems are faced with challenges of their own. For starters, the harsh weather incurred at sea and saltwater splashing on or immersing the panels accounts for much damage.

However, technological advancements have enabled solar panels to withstand most of these environmental adversities. To illustrate, the installation and electronics linked with solar power systems have now become more resistant to short circuits and corrosion.

Sunreef Yachts Eco employs a unique photovoltaic integration technique in solar catamarans to give the panels extreme resistance to shock and abrasion. Even if the cell eventually cracks, the solid metal foundation remains intact to maintain a high-power output. Furthermore, these solar panels experience no light-induced degradation, no temperature coefficient, and favourable low-light and broad spectral response.

Likewise, the constrains of surface area for marine solar PVs have been addressed with the ability to manufacture customized solar panels. For instance, Sunreef Yachts Eco uses the lightest solar cells in the industry which offer unparalleled flexibility for placement on rounded surfaces of the solar catamaran while others break under pressure. Here solar panels are integrated vertically (on hull sides, flybridge sides, and mast) and horizontally (on front flybridge and bimini) to maximize energy generation.

While the Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar panel system has a protracted life expectancy, any panels sustaining damage, due to adverse conditions at sea or other geographical circumstances, can easily be replaced. However, it is proven repeatedly that their performance remains unaltered over extended periods of time.

Efficiency of Solar Catamarans Vs. Diesel Yachts

Solar panels make for an ideal energy provider as they ensure the batteries always have power. This makes solar catamarans more self-sustainable and cost efficient to run in comparison to gas-powered ones. Additionally, fewer moving parts in solar catamarans call for significantly lesser maintenance in comparison to diesel yachts.

Boats of all shapes, sizes, and types (sail or motor) can be powered via solar energy to run all onboard appliances on battery. Apart from fulfilling the watercrafts’ day to day electrical usage, utilizing a renewable source of energy extends the durability and reliability of the catamaran.

But most importantly, a solar powered yacht compared to a standard diesel yacht has a significantly reduced carbon footprint. Ideally, with the use of solar power generation on catamarans, you would save 108.5kg of CO2 emissions per day or 39.6 metric tonnes annually.

Why Invest in A Solar Catamaran?

The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the sweet smell of the sea are one of the many joys of sailing. However, as an ocean enthusiast, it is crucial to calculate your impact on the environment. On average, the Sunreef Yachts Eco’s solar catamarans account for substantial electricity generation of up to 30 kWh, promoting a positive green footprint.

Today, solar catamarans are trending among yacht owners and shipbuilders as a clean medium to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, staying true to its legacy of yacht innovation and evolution, Sunreef Yachts Eco continues to work on advancements to its solar panels for improved performance, efficiency, and durability.

Evaluating the Sunreef Yachts Eco Solar Catamarans

Using advanced technology, Sunreef Yachts Eco has engineered ultra-thin, flexible solar panels with the best performance on the market. They are seven times lighter than the average solar power system, enabling them to be fully integrated into the composite structures, including curved surfaces.

The more surface area covered, the more electricity generated. The 80 Sunreef Power incorporates 200 square meters of solar panels (weighing about 360 kilograms) that deliver an astounding 40 kilowatts peak per hour. This setup alone produces solar energy equalling to two generators weighing 800 kilograms altogether.

Hence proven that Sunreef Yachts Eco optimized marine solar panel system outperforms a diesel generator both by weight and performance. Additionally, at reduced speeds, the Sunreef 80 Eco remains fully autonomous, running solely on solar power.

In light of sustainable yachting, Sunreef Yachts Eco has committed to launch over 40 models of its solar catamarans by the end of 2024; this includes a wide selection of sailing yachts, power yachts, and superyachts. Furthermore, Sunreef Yachts has begun commissioning a new range of technologically advanced hybrid ecospeeders, called the Sunreef ULTIMA , that would further extend their solar catamarans line up.

Future Innovations in Solar Catamarans

Despite the distinctive competency of Sunreef Yachts Eco in solar catamarans, the journey of innovation does not come to a halt. To further reduce our carbon footprint, we are undergoing ground-breaking research to redirect excess heat secured from direct sunlight on solar panels to the boilers of our solar catamarans.

Furthermore, Sunreef Yachts Eco is currently developing a concept of an all-new 90 feet sustainable sailing superyacht , called ‘The Zero Cat’ . Apart from sporting a solar power system, this catamaran will use a zero-emission generator to convert methanol to clean hydrogen for unlimited autonomy and greater self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are solar catamarans favorable?  Because sunlight remains omnipresent, solar catamarans discern as a greener, cost efficient, and self-sustaining yachting solution . The environmentally friendly passenger conveyance from Sunreef Yachts Eco is consciously built to counter air, water, and sound pollution.
• What is a solar catamaran? A solar catamaran is a twin-hulled vessel powered by solar panels, harnessing sunlight to drive its propulsion and onboard systems, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered boats. Powered using inhouse engineered solar panels, solar catamarans designed and manufactured by Sunreef Yachts Eco encourage a positive green footprint at sea. 
• Do solar catamarans exist? Launched under the Sunreef Yachts Eco flag, our sailing and motor yachts are powered using inhouse engineered solar panels that are fully integrated within their composite structure for optimal results. The Polish designer and manufacturer has also committed to launch 40 additional models of its solar catamarans in 2024.
• Are there any solar powered yachts? With an increasing demand for solar catamarans with increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact, Sunreef Yachts Eco has put to sea several variants of its sailing and power catamarans such as the Sunreef 60 Eco , Sunreef 70 Eco , Sunreef 80 Eco , and 80 Sunreef Power Eco
• What are the advantages of solar catamarans? The installation of solar panels reduces a watercrafts sole dependency on non-renewable energy sources for operations. In comparison to their combustion-driven counterparts, solar catamarans offer noiseless, vibration-free, and fume-free cruising experiences.
• How much is a solar-powered catamaran? With Sunreef Yachts Eco’s philosophy of promoting clean green yachting, the company has released a new range of solar catamarans , the Sunreef ULTIMA , with prices starting as low as €2M* for the 44 ULTIMA ECO . *Please note that all prices listed are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

ULTIMA RANGE

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Solar electric motor yachts

Embark on a slow cruising

Reconnect yourself with the sea

• Full autonomy
• Solar electric energy
• Luxury design

Whisper Yachts embarks the best of technology aboard solar-powered yachts designed to be both in harmony and respect with the sea.

Whisper Yachts offers an exclusive 50 ft luxury yacht powered by green energy that provides a way of sailing more handy, comfy and eco-friendly.

The perfect balance between luxury and sustainability

A new way of exploration, bring innovative and environmental solutions to sea navigation.

Green technology

Whisper Yachts is constantly innovating and adapting its products to push back the limits of responsible navigation, placing respect for seas and oceans at the heart of their concerns.

Slow cruising

With Whisper Yachts, reveal your pioneering spirit. Enjoy a sense of belonging in the middle of the immensity, delight the beauty of the oceans without damaging them.

Respect of the seas

Whisper Yachts reduces the carbon impact on the environment by 90% and is working to reduce to 100%. 

Sustainable by nature, the design team is committed to always selecting sustainable materials without compromising quality. 

Whisper Yachts offers a range of green energy luxury yachts with 100% solar electric motor yachts that provide a way of sailing more handy, comfy and eco-friendly. 

Whisper Yachts exists to bring sustainable and environmental solutions to sea navigation.

Whisper Magazine

The latest from whisper yachts' world.

• Environment
• Green energy

A new beginning: the inspiration of Whisper Yachts

After spending an entire year cruising around the world aboard their solar electric motor yacht by Whisper Yachts, Sarah, Thomas, and their son Lucas returned to France, transformed by this unique experience. Their journey, powered by the solar engines of their yacht, exceeded all their expectations, and they came back with new ideas and renewed energy for their future.

The evolution of yachts: from sail to motorization

The evolution of yachts is a fascinating journey through history, marking humanity’s progress in navigation, engineering, and luxury. This evolution mirrors not just technological advancements but also a shift in our relationship with the seas.

• Exploration

A family's quest for sustainable travel

In the pulsating heart of a bustling metropolis, an art gallery transforms into a stage, unveiling the intimate theater of a family. Sarah and Thomas, embodiments of complicity, wander among the artworks, their young son, Lucas, a silent witness to their harmony. Each painting, each sculpture, becomes a chapter in their story, woven with vibrant colors, mesmerizing shapes, and tales whispered to the soul.

Sailing with Whisper Yachts in 2024

In this time of reflection and renewal, Whisper Yachts invites us to welcome 2024 with a resolution that transcends the traditional, by personally committing to the preservation of our planet. This commitment takes the form of an unparalleled sailing experience aboard their solar electric yachts, a perfect fusion of luxury, technology, and ecological awareness.

Returning to nature, an escape from contemporary chaos

In a world where every second counts, where the incessant notifications from our devices constantly remind us of our duties and responsibilities, the anxiety of immediacy has become a tangible reality. Crowded streets, ever-present screens, and the breakneck pace of modern life have created a stifling atmosphere, leaving little room for serenity and contemplation. The relentless waves of often alarming information overwhelm us, leaving us in search of a sanctuary, an escape.

A unique adventure across Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts

As the days turned into weeks and the familiar coasts of the Mediterranean faded into the distance, the family aboard their Whisper Yachts discovered a new dimension of sailing, where sustainability and luxury became one.

Merging luxury with ocean conservation

Since the earliest days of terrestrial existence, the oceans have been the stage for an eternal dance of life. These vast expanses of saltwater, stretching as far as the eye can see, witnessed the birth of the first life forms and have been the silent observers of the evolution of millions of species. These deep and mysterious seas have inspired countless legends, myths, and tales of adventure, reflecting the fascination and reverence they educated  humanity.

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New Silent Yachts For Sale

Silent yachts are the industry leader in ocean-going production yachts that are completely solar sustainable and powered by solar energy. seaworthy, luxurious, and built to impeccable standards, silent yachts are already desirable without its solar capabilities. with the abundance of solar panels on board each boat, every silent yachts model is able to cruise for 100 nautical miles in complete silence. even while at anchor, the solar-powered generators keep the yacht powered quietly for an unprecedented boating experience. enjoy all the benefits of a power catamaran with the addition of solar energy..

Silent Yachts

Silent Yachts 80

Silent Yachts 55

Speak To A Silent Yachts Sales Professional

Silent Yachts offer an environmentally conscious choice when it comes to owning a yacht. Silent Yachts currently offers three solar-powered power catamaran models including the Silent 55, Silent 64, and Silent 80. United Yacht Sales is proud to be the U.S. distributor for Silent Yachts and can assist you in your search for the world's first solar-powered yacht. For more information, please contact United Yacht broker Darren Sell at (561) 351-7333 or by email at [email protected] . 

Where are Silent Yachts built?

Silent Yachts are built through two different shipyards depending on the model. The Silent 55 is built at the world-class shipyard of Mazarin German Yachts which also has a production site located in China. For over 70 years, Mazarin has been a leader in quality yacht construction with over 400 yachts delivered. Mazarin are experts in innovative construction processes that are able to produce light weight yachts.

The Silent 64 and Silent 80 are produced at the Italian-based shipyard Consorzio Navale which is a prestigous consoritum of builders and sub-contractors in the industry. The group has serviced many of the major Italian yacht brands such as Ferretti Yachts and Riva Yachts . Additionally, the Silent Yachts 80 features styling and design by Marco Casali and naval architecture by Insenaval.

Are Silent Yachts really completely solar-powered?

The short answer is yes. Owners can choose to go 100% solar-powered or install diesel engines should higher speeds want to be achieved over longer distances. Silent Yachts can cruise up to 100 miles per day by power acquired through its solar panels. Every day the solar panels are able to generate more power than the total consumption needed for propulsion at cruising speeds plus powering all of the appliances on board. 

How does the solar power work? 

The Silent Yachts power system feeds the electric propulsion of the power cat and all of the energy it needs to run the A/C, refrigerators, and other household appliances. Light-weight lithium batteries provide an ample amount of energy for everything on board. The lithium batteries used in Silent Yachts are the most expensive ones on the market, but also the most reliable, safe, and have the longest life span.

Solar panels are integrated to the roof of the flybridge hardtop sections instead of just being bolted on top, resulting in no wind load or resistance againest them. Below is a video explaining how the system functions and operates back when Silent Yachts were originally called "Solar Wave":

Who is the team behind Silent Yachts?

Heike and Michael Kohler have sent almost their entire lives on a boat. After more than two decades of using various boats, cruisers, and sailboats on multiple oceans, they became dedicated to finding a better energy source for the propulsion of yachts. Between the years of 2005 and 2009, Heike and Michael tested a number of a multitude of various alternative energy sources. In 2009, SolarWave 46 was launched as a proof of concept for their design. While there are many boats and yachts built that use solar power in some fashion, the Solarwave 46 was the first ocean-going yacht to use solar energy to power everything on board from engines to appliances.

What else is different about how Silent Yachts are built?

Certainly the solar-powered engines and generators are the distinguishing characteristic, but there are a lot of other features that make each Silent Yacht unique. For example, the molds were created using a CNC-milling machine that is able to contruct particular shapes for an optimized design. The materials used in the hull include a carbon compositie that is then resin-infused for a light-weight, but very strong platform. Every hull is fully insulated and the long-term durability is exceptional thanks to the high-quality resin used in the infusion process.

What propulsion systems are recommended by Silent Yachts?

Silent Yachts recommends the 2 x 135 engines as the best solution. If the owner is making frequest trips from Point A to B (Say Miami to the Bahamas for example) the faster hybrid is recommended. The main differentiator here is cruising speed. If the owner is living on the yacht for an extended period of time, rarely pushes the engines to top speeds, and stays below 12 knots, then the E-Power is recommended.

When the generator is running, does the 100Kw go to charging the batteries (which run the 250 Kw e-Motors) or directly to the e-Motors?

All of the enery consumers and producers are connected to the bus bar. If there happens to be more power produced than consumed, the excess power goes to re-charge the batteries. If for some reason more power is required than what is produced, the needed power comes from the lithium batteries.

What is the sustained speed if both 100 Kw generators are running?

This answer really depends upon sea condition and the weight of the boat (for example components, additional equipment, water toys, etc.). The sustained speed on average though is between 12 and 14 knots, 10 knots with one generator running. It is possible to cruise at 10 knots without a generator running when using the Solar E-Power.

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Bering Yachts introduces new 24m catamaran model BC80 with two configurations

Turkish shipyard Bering Yachts has announced a new 24-metre catamaran model known as BC80 at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.

The yacht is the largest in its class at 24 metres and is joined by the 18.9-metre BC60 and the BC70, which measures 21.3 metres. Owners can choose between two layouts: the flybridge version and the solar-powered version.

The first has been billed as a "more classic yachting experience", featuring an expansive 82-square-metre flybridge and 1,000 square feet of solar panels which can generate over 20kW of energy on a sunny day. The yacht can then remain at anchor for extended periods without relying on generators.

Meanwhile, the solar-powered version is suited to "the environmentally conscious adventurer", with a massive solar panel array, high-capacity lithium-ion battery bank and a state-of-the-art "kick-saving" system. This system significantly reduces generator dependence and allows guests to enjoy silent cruising for up to 24 hours without running the generators.

The BC80's impressive interior volume is aided by an expansive 10.8-metre beam, giving guests the "ultimate three-decker experience" with a spacious main deck with 2.4 metres of headroom, a dedicated upper deck with flybridge option, and a comfortable lower deck. In terms of accommodation, owners can choose between four, five or six cabins with the option of a master suite on the main deck.

The standard layout features a galley positioned forward on the main deck, while all guest accommodations are located in the sponsons (hull extensions) for extra privacy and reduced noise.

Powered by a pair of Volvo Penta engines, the yacht will reach top speeds of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots.

This follows the news that the steel hull of its 39.5-metre B125 model had been transported from Istanbul to Antalya ahead of outfitting . Delivery is anticipated for September 2024.

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Why Silent technology?

What makes our solar-electric yachts unique and sets them apart from the rest? It is our extensive experience with the technology. By substituting generators with solar power and large battery banks in order to supply energy to all household appliances on board since the mid 1990s and by pioneering the solar-electric drivetrain during the mid 2000s, Silent has gathered about 30 years of experience in optimizing sustainable energy generation on yachts.

As the original brand who invented solar powered electric production yachts , we have always been committed to a technology which was prior considered as a niche. We were already building solar powered yachts with electric propulsion at a time when no other legacy shipyard even considered using this technology in the future.

Since 2009, our electric yachts have sailed 10.000s of nautical miles flawlessly, crossed oceans and hosted charter guests for hundreds of weeks all around the world – across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Atlantic, Pacific as well as the Indian Ocean.

Recently, it has become increasingly popular within the industry to power catamarans with solar energy. Nevertheless, not all electric yachts are created the same. While it might be easy to equip a boat with solar panels, it is a far more complex process to create an electric yacht that fulfils the full potential of luxury solar yachting. There are many vital considerations when using solar technologies: efficiency, range, reliability, comfort, longevity and sustainability are all criteria to optimize. Inevitably, to cover all these aspects, it needs a clean sheet design from scratch.

Taking an existing fossil fueled powered or sailing catamaran and including solar features on the model will always create a compromised result. In comparison, our fully electric Silent models were designed from a clean sheet and engineered to be fully solar powered from start to finish. This is why our yachts outperform competitors regarding weight, daily solar production, range, speed, consumption, space, safety and life-span.

It is not the kWp promised in a brochure, it is the real energy production and the realistic consumption that makes the difference for you as a customer. It will either enable you to run the A/C for the whole night and to drive dozens of miles without running the generator – or not. A Silent is capable of doing that. This is the difference.

Our founders, Michael and Heike Köhler, were the ones to create the solar yachting space by starting Silent Yachts (then called Solarwave) years before the industry was aware of the advantages of this new approach. Nearly 30 years after starting their initial research, Silent now shapes the future of electric yachting.

Solarwave 46 in Lakka bay, island of Paxos, Greece, in 2010.

Science & Experience Based Design

Bolt-on construction

Our bolt-on construction design makes it easy to replace individual panels for repair or upgrade them to more efficient versions in the future. In contrary, solar panels which are directly integrated into the hull or glued onto the roof are not designed to be replaced when required.

Rooftop positioning

Placing the panels horizontally on the top ensures maximum energy harvest. In comparison to vertical panels integrated into the hulls, this positioning captures more energy from the sun while also protecting the solar cells from being damaged during mooring in a marina or when in contact with sea water.

Zero shade principle

Silent Yachts purposely exclude the addition of sails or wind turbines as they cause the issue of partial shading, leading to a dramatic decrease in energy output and efficiency. Our years of testing revealed that wind turbines actually create more drag during cruising than energy produced at the same time.

Market leading panels

The rigid glass solar panels used on our yachts offer market leading efficiency and 40 years of warranty. Flexible panels mounted on curved surfaces or integrated into the hull of a yacht are generally less efficient, prone to output reducing microcracks and have a much shorter lifespan with a warranty time of only 2 years.

Decades of research, development, optimizing and successfully delivering the full solar yachting experience have put us in a position to lead the industry towards a clean, electric future.

Industry-leading expertise

Purpose Built Vessel Concept

Silent yachts are not conversions of existing boats, but are designed in-house from a white sheet of paper to deliver an uncompromised solar powered experience.

In-house Engineering Department

Our dedicated team focused on innovation, design as well as R&D makes sure we develop cutting-edge solutions which can be implemented rapidly.

Proprietary Drivetrain & Software

The proprietary drivetrain as well as the software that runs all energy harvest and storage systems is designed, developed and engineered by our own in-house technicians.

Performance Optimization

Every single detail of the hardware and software components of our Silent Drivetrain are fully optimized to integrate seamlessly and perform at maximum efficiency.

Complete Thermal Insulation

The electric yachts of Silent are the only models in their class which insulate hull deck and superstructure to ensure maximum energy efficiency during heating and cooling.

Custom Air Conditioning System

The A/C system we developed for our catamarans has energy recuperation as well as heat pumps for hot water heating and is industry leading in terms of its efficiency.

Autonomous System Design

All systems and components on a Silent yacht have been optimized to ensure compound efficiencies that enable unlimited range and ultimately autonomous yachting.

Construction & Craftsmanship

We build our boats in our own yards under strict quality control parameters using the best possible methods and materials.

Bespoke Design & Build

Every one of our yachts is unique. We pride ourselves in incorporating customer specific requirements, while keeping true to our high performance principles.

The ability to easily replace key hardware components such as the solar panels and batteries provides the unique opportunity to upgrade and improve every Silent with future technology.

Upgradable modular platform

At Silent we feel passionately about avoiding built-in obsolescence. This is the driving principle of so many industries, that produce one model in the full knowledge that a later model will supersede it, encouraging the buyer to replace their car, boat, plane, mobile phone for the newest, latest and greatest.

In our view, built-in obsolescence does not work in harmony with nature. Yachts are very commodity rich and costly things to make. Although Silent go to great extents to minimalise our carbon footprint and maximise use of recyclable resources, by far the most intelligent and environmentally friendly method of producing a vessel is to do so with hulls that are designed for solar purpose, efficiency and very long lifespan.

For this reason, every Silent is based on our signature modular platform design. This means that essential hardware components such as the solar panels, batteries and electric motors can be replaced with ease.

As result, our electric catamarans can be upgraded with the latest components years after they were launched into the water for the very first time, making sure the yacht always remains state-of-the-art.

This gives you a piece of mind, knowing that today´s Silent will always be tomorrow´s.

What makes her the most iconic solar yacht in the world

At Silent we have deep affection for the original Silent yacht: the Silent 64. Launched in 2016, this catamaran was the first series production fully solar powered electric yacht in the world. In 2018, she set up a world-record by becoming the first serially produced solar-powered bluewater catamaran to cross the Atlantic. Based on a fully solar optimized design, she back then combined our very best technologies with a philosophy aimed towards maximum efficiency. In that regard, her lightweight carbon fiber hull offers impressive performance even by current standards. Still in daily Silent R&D service today, this yacht is Silent’s elder. Filled with cleverness and like every Silent yacht, she has never let us down.

Silent Group

Our charters offer you the opportunity to book a memorable vacation on board of our electric yachts. Including our helpful crew, consisting of a captain and a chef, you will experience the comfort of solar powered yachting.

As the pioneers of solar yachting, we have almost three decades of experience regarding the research, design and build of electric yachts. Our team, shipyard and the hiring of new talent are the backbone of our operations.

By transferring our solar yachting technology, Silent Resorts develops sustainable beachfront resorts in beautiful locations worldwide. Memberships offer full or part ownership of an eco-property and a Silent yacht.

Create your infinite playground on the water. A selection of premium electric water toys, which can be recharged by simply connecting them to your Silent yacht, as well as other accessories for the ultimate experience on board.

Port of San Diego Demonstrates Tandem-Lift Capability of its New All-Electric Mobile Harbor Cranes, First in North America

Contact: [email protected], 619.348.1518, [email protected]

The Port of San Diego’s new all-electric Generation 6 Mobile Harbor Cranes are in full operation at the Port’s Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT). The two cranes are the first of their kind in North America and help the Port improve public and environmental health, particularly in the Portside Communities of Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, Logan Heights, and West National City, while also supporting clean, modern, and efficient maritime operations.

During a ceremony held at TAMT with state and local leaders, partners, stakeholders, and community members, the Port demonstrated the crane system’s tandem-lift capabilities, which was narrated by ILWU Local 29 president Anthony Soniga. Afterward, attendees had an opportunity to tour the cranes.

“Our all-new, all-electric cranes meet our dual-focused maritime mission – delivering cleaner air for our communities and delivering goods our families and businesses rely on such as geo-thermal, solar and wind farm parts that will help strengthen the power grid for the southwestern U.S.,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “We’re improving air quality, driving commerce, and supporting good jobs. Everybody wins.” 

“ These new cranes will advance the state’s clean energy goals while amplifying the Port’s tremendous economic impact on the San Diego County region,” stated State Controller Malia M. Cohen and Chair of the State Lands Commission. “I believe that with continued investments in innovative clean energy infrastructure, workforce development and job training, paired with ongoing meaningful community engagement and inclusion, and collaborative leadership, we can build a better tomorrow with thriving communities, a sustainable economy, and a vibrant port industry.”

“California’s ports play a significant role in the state’s goods movement, and now they are playing a significant role in improving the state’s air quality for the benefit of public health, especially in portside communities that have for years breathed unhealthful air,” said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. “CARB is proud to support the Port of San Diego in its efforts to reduce emissions across all of its operations, including the introduction of the first electric harbor cranes in North America.”

“San Diego is making history with the first all-electric mobile cranes in the country! Not only will they contribute to our overall economy because they can carry more weight than diesel-powered cranes, but they will also improve the environmental health for our communities,” stated Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. “California is making strides toward a green energy future, and the Port of San Diego is playing its part in leading the charge.”

“The Port of San Diego’s deployment of the first all-electric mobile cranes in North America continues to prove economic prosperity and environmental stewardship work in tandem along the waterfront,” said Chair of Environment Committee and Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, City of San Diegos. “Electrification is the future—we are modernizing equipment, reducing harmful pollutants, and improving air quality for our portside communities. The Port is leading in the replacement of diesel-powered equipment and being at the forefront of deploying clean infrastructure.”

The all-electric cranes built by Konecranes are replacing the Port’s old diesel-powered crane. The conversion from a diesel-powered crane to an all-electric crane system is a big step toward achieving one goal of the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) of transitioning all cargo handling equipment to zero emissions by 2030.

In addition to the public health and environmental benefits, the new crane system allows the Port to compete for more business. The cranes represent the heaviest lift capability of any port crane system currently in place on the U.S. West Coast – up to 400 metric tons (MT). Most of the heavy-lift cargoes destined for this region weigh more than 200 MT, including larger pieces of solar, wind, and industrial energy equipment as well as project cargoes. With their heavier capacity and faster offloading speed, the new cranes also better serve our existing operations when crane movements are needed. Some of the target cargo for the two cranes will be electric grid strengthening projects including geo-thermal, solar and wind farms specifically in Arizona, Nevada, Southern California and Utah.

In support of the MCAS, the Port and various partners, have invested or committed nearly $125 million in clean air technologies and infrastructure projects, including the new electric cranes. The Port is also:

• Home to the first all-electric tugboat in the United States, operated by Crowley Shipping.
• Adding more shore power at its cargo and cruise terminals.
• Operating a new solar-powered microgrid at TAMT.
• Deploying a maritime emissions capture and control system, also known as a bonnet, for vessels that aren’t yet shore power capable. It’s expected to begin operating in 2025.
• Continuing its partnership with SANDAG to complete design and construction funding for Harbor Drive 2.0, which includes intelligent transportation systems to separate trucks from regular traffic, encourages port-related trucks to stay off neighborhood streets in Barrio Logan, and reduces diesel and greenhouse gas emissions. Added benefits include improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections, and urban greening.
• Electrifying the Port’s fleet, including electric work trucks, vans, and service vehicles. 
• Terminalift – electric reach stacker, forklifts, and two on-road semi-trucks.
• SSA Marine – six new pieces of electric cargo handling equipment, including a recently deployed forklift.
• Pasha – first all-electric car haulers in the U.S.
• Dole – first on the West Coast to use battery-electric utility tractor rigs (UTRs) for cargo handling.

The Port purchased the battery supported electric cranes from Konecranes for approximately $14 million, paid for through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and California Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Funds, administered by the California State Lands Commission. The Port also spent an additional $8.9 million on electrical infrastructure improvements to support the cranes, which included $2.7 million in grant funding from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. 

TAMT, one of the Port’s two marine cargo terminals, serves as an omni-cargo terminal consisting of a 96-acre facility and handles breakbulk, bulk, container, and project cargos for solar, wind and hydroelectric power installations, steel, and engines used in local shipbuilding as well as private yachts, refrigerated cargo, soda ash, sugar, paper reams, and more.

Funding partner:

About THE Port of San Diego

The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.

The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.

ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO MARITIME

Port of San Diego Maritime is our gateway to the world—leading our working waterfront and facilitating the movement of goods and people, internationally and domestically.

Port Maritime businesses employ thousands of residents and generate billions of dollars per year for the regional economy, creating a prosperous global economic engine for all.