"Seawolf X": A solar hybrid catalytic converter that achieves efficiency with the help of AI

"Look out, dolphins ahead!" When this exclamation is heard on "Seawolf X", it does not come from a human voice. Nevertheless, it originates in the mast, where a thermal imaging camera first detects the passing marine mammals. The AI does the animal identification. ChatGPT is used in some cases. The chatbot is used for voice control and further research, for example on islands within sight or the weather ahead. The Rossinavi AI developed with the AV/IT professionals from Videoworks also uses a number of sensors to recognise whether anyone is in the cabins. If not, blinds are lowered and lights and air conditioning are deactivated to reduce energy consumption.

The system also supports navigation and route planning by helping to utilise air and sea currents efficiently. The artificial intelligence continuously learns how the 42.84 x 13.60 metre aluminium catamaran is used and operated. Based on this, it gives the crew instructions on how to save even more energy.

How sustainability plays a role on board "Seawolf X"

A competition mode was integrated into the AI at the special request of the owner, who wants to minimise the ecological footprint of his yacht and inspire his children with sustainability. This is based on the recorded power consumption of the individual cabins. Those who were the most economical are awarded a prize. Federico Rossi, CCO of the family-run shipyard in Viareggio and a key driver of new technologies, would also have deserved it. The Rossis were early adopters of projects that focussed on lightweight construction and diesel-electric drives. In addition to the hardware, weight reduction and energy management are crucial to Rossi's success: "From our fast yachts such as 'Utopia' and 'Flying Dagger', we have the expertise to build something really light. From our diesel-electric ships, we know how to manage the energy on board in the best possible way."

But getting there was full of challenges and surprises. For example, the shipyard wanted to monitor numerous parameters in real time and collect data on the "Flying Dagger". "We had installed a system that sent us more than 50 gigabytes per day. We weren't able to cope with that and it was also blocking the yacht's data connection. After just four days in operation, we had so much information that we said: stop, switch off!" recalls Rossinavi's Chief Operating Officer, adding: "We started looking for a system that could organise the database on board. And today, that is only possible with artificial intelligence." The solution here is also Rossinavi AI, which was developed in collaboration with the University of Pisa. In the background, countless sensors monitor the propulsion of "Seawolf X", among other things, and ensure that the charge level of the batteries is always between 20 and 80 per cent, thereby increasing the service life of the power storage units.

Innovative combination of design and technology

A multihull seemed to be the perfect platform for such a pioneering project, and not just for reasons of efficiency. Large formats with more than one hull stand out due to their sheer width and attract a great deal of attention, if they can be realised like "Artexplorer" or "This is it" also stand out visually. In the case of "Seawolf X", it is the lines of Fulvio De Simoni, whose curved front and rear sections are reminiscent of historic sports cars such as Bugatti's Type 57S and which push the boundaries of aluminium construction.

De Simoni wanted the cat to look like a monohull when viewed from the side. The aluminium construction with main deck, sundeck protected by a hardtop and helmstand halfway up cuts through the sea in an almost crouched position. This flat structure ensures that the interior volume remains under 500 gross tonnes. The hulls are powered by hybrid drives with 250 kilowatt electric motors from Siemens, which act on propellers via shafts and receive their energy from a variety of sources. Solar modules cover 156 square metres, inconspicuously integrated into all roofs, parts of the superstructure and the foredeck. There are also two diesel generators, each with an output of 350 kilowatts, whose peak loads are capped by battery banks. The batteries also receive their maximum amount of energy of 1.6 megawatt hours in five hours overnight using shore power and two frequency converters.

On board "Seawolf X" with tech-savvy COO Federico Rossi

In hibernation mode, the 202 solar cells with their 35 kilowatt peak help the motor cat to become self-sufficient and, according to Federico Rossi, save the harbour around 100,000 euros in electricity costs every year. It is also possible for the batteries to feed electrical energy into the public grid in the opposite direction or, instead of being moored in a marina in front of the owner's own villa, to supply it with electricity. In practice, however, the three driving modes will be more relevant for the owner or the charter guests - up to twelve people come on board via Cecil Wright from 380,000 euros per week.

The energy from the batteries and solar cells is completely sufficient for day trips at a maximum speed of up to twelve knots. For trips lasting several days, the generators have to provide ten per cent, and for long crossings it is 20 per cent. In this case, "Seawolf X" is purely electric for up to 80 per cent of the time. "Our goal was a range of 3,800 nautical miles, but in reality it is 5,400 nautical miles at eight knots. That's the equivalent of crossing the Pacific!" says an enthusiastic Federico Rossi, explaining his BluE concept: "The absolute silence should make you feel like you're on a sailing yacht. Speed and performance are very similar, but we don't have to follow the direction of the wind."

Art Basel Miami Beach instead of boat show

Of course, no one on board has to use AI, but in the client, everyone involved found an ideal partner for such innovative, sustainable developments. And not at one of the traditional yacht shows, but at Art Basel Miami Beach, where Rossinavi presented the Seacat project in 2021. "Boat shows are often very hectic and you are inundated with information," summarises Federico Rossi.

"Art Basel is a good place for us to present yachts. The people there are relaxed, and innovations such as our innovative catamaran are shown to their best advantage." The art fair also paved the way for the collaboration with the broad-based New York design studio Meyer Davis. "We got to know Rossinavi through our joint PR agency and had breakfast with Federico during Art Basel," recalls Will Meyer. "About a week later, he contacted us and said there was a special project we should talk about."

Sustainable interior with hotel inspiration

A meeting with the future owner followed and they immediately hit it off. "He had stayed at 1 Hotel South Beach, which we designed, and loved its aesthetics. He liked that it was all about sustainability - but in an unobtrusive way." It was therefore a perfect match for what Rossinavi was planning with the Seacat project, explains Will Meyer: "The interior design and everything you touch has to harmonise with the sustainable philosophy of the boat."

Accordingly, the carpets, for example, are woven from recycled and biodegradable wool. Many wall coverings are woven from natural fibres such as raffia bast or jute; linen curtains surprise with their texture and special translucency. "Despite all the sustainability and technology, you must not lose sight of usability. The interior should be cosy, informal and relaxed," says Meyer, summarising: "We wanted to use beautiful materials that don't have to stand out. This makes the interior look timeless."

Surprising floor plan with twists and turns

Despite the lack of yacht references, the New Yorkers were also heavily involved in the layout: "We spent months and months really reworking every square inch of the original design and maximising the space," reports Will Meyer. "As it's our first yacht, we approached it from a different angle. We transferred our experience of luxury catering and living to a new platform. I think that brought a certain freshness to it."

The enormous width proved to be very helpful, especially for the main deck and the owner's cabin, which extends over 70 square metres between the two hulls and into them. The suite includes a gym and two balconies, which also serve as mooring stations thanks to separate crew access. The 80 square metre saloon with its sofa ensemble and the oval dining table with its two offset leather benches also creates the feeling of space of a much longer superyacht and offers the owner or charter clients various opportunities to interact with family and friends.

"Seawolf X" travels mainly electrically from Monaco to the Caribbean

The seamlessly adjoining cockpit is similarly sociable, with a dining table, loungers, infinity pool and steps on both sides down to the raised bathing platform, from which the transformer hydraulics take you in and out of the water. While the beach club and sauna are located aft, a Castoldi Jet 17 is parked in the port hull. "Seawolf X" is also accompanied by a 13-metre-long SACS Strider as a chase boat. Six diving sets and lots of water toys such as two Sea-Doo Sparks, Seabobs, CudaJets, E-Foilboards, wake and SUP boards are stowed by the nine-strong crew in the separate garage in the port hull.

Guests can also enjoy the two trampoline nets between the hulls and the Jacuzzi nest on the foredeck. The roundabout becomes a pavilion when the hardtop is raised hydraulically - as befits Rossinavi, with a mechanism developed and built by the shipyard. An XXL screen folds out of the ceiling, while a powerful sound system provides the appropriate sound for the open-air cinema. The sun deck is far more expansive, without its own steering position, but with a direct connection to the bridge, a U-shaped bar and plenty of free space between the lounge furniture. The 130 square metres are predestined for glittering party nights, as was the case during the Monaco Yacht Show. From the Principality, "Seawolf X" actually travelled across the Atlantic to the Caribbean largely by solar power. Rossinavi's concept is working. The shipyard continues to drive forward future technologies: on the same twin-hull basis, but with new sensational designs.

Technical data

• Length over everything: 42,75 m
• Width: 13,75 m
• Draught (half full): 1,85 m
• Gross tonnage: 499 Gross Tons
• Material: Aluminium
• E-motors: 2 x Siemens BlueDrive Eco
• Engine power: 2 x 250 kW
• Generators: 2 x 300 kW
• Battery banks: 2 x 16 modules
• Battery capacity: 1.6 MWh
• Speed (max.): 12 kn
• Speed (travelling): 10 kn
• Range @ 8kn: 5,400 sm
• Guests: 12
• Crew: 9
• Construction: Rossi Engineering Design & Services (R.E.D.S.)
• Exterior design: Fulvio De Simoni
• Interior design: Meyer Davis
• Shipyard: Rossinavi, 2024
• Charter: Cecil Wright, from € 380,000 p. W.