A vessel that chugs through the canals of Paris and, moments later, lies at anchor on the open sea. What sounds like a contradiction is the aim of the Contemporary Barge, a concept that seeks to unite two completely different worlds of boating under a single hull. Gian Paolo Nari, who was previously responsible for the exterior design of the 59-metre-long explorer yacht Akula, has worked with consultant and surveyor Lorenzo Cappugi to develop a design that bears little resemblance to traditional houseboats. The vessel measures 19.90 metres in length and 4.85 metres in width, and is designed to navigate European canals as well as coastal waters. The shipyard Cantieri Navali di Termoli, which has experience in building steel and aluminium vessels, is already on hand as a potential construction partner.
Dimensions comply with European duct standards
The dimensions of the Contemporary Barge are no accident, but the result of careful calculation. Measuring 19.90 metres in length, 4.85 metres in width, with a draught of 1.20 metres when fully laden and a clearance height of 3.40 metres from the water to the hardtop, the canal vessel adheres precisely to the so-called Freycinet standard. This standard, which is over 150 years old, specifies the vessel sizes permitted to navigate the dense European canal network, from the tributaries of the Seine in France to the Belgian and Dutch waterways. Rather than maximising space, the designers have therefore deliberately constrained the vessel within these tight parameters. Which routes are ultimately navigable depends on the final configuration; each vessel can be customised individually, but must remain within these technical limits.
Steel hull for inland and coastal navigation
This is precisely where the real highlight of the project lies: according to Nari, the steel hull is to be certified to CE Category C or B. Category C permits sailing in coastal waters in wind forces up to 6 and wave heights of up to 2 metres, whilst Category B extends this to wind force 8 and wave heights of up to 4 metres. For the owner, this means a route that would be almost unthinkable on a traditional yacht: cruising leisurely through France’s inland waterways, heading out into the Mediterranean at Marseille or Sète, and from there sailing along the coast or covering short stretches at sea – all in one and the same vessel.
The concept remains consistent when it comes to the propulsion system as well. A series hybrid electric propulsion system is planned, with the option of either diesel-electric or fully electric operation. Two electric motors, each with an output of 80 kilowatts, power the vessel, whilst a 45-kilowatt generator extends the range when required. The cruising speed is between 7.5 and 8.5 knots, with a maximum of 10.5 knots possible – figures that are entirely sufficient for leisurely canal cruising. In addition, there is a battery pack, solar panels on the roof and a shore power connection for long layovers in town.
Living on the water in the city
Nari and Cappugi themselves describe their concept as a ‘floating penthouse’, and that is exactly what it is intended to be: a temporary or permanent residence in cities with major waterways. Paris and London spring immediately to mind. Instead of a flat with a view of the water, the owner would then have the water itself as their property, including the option to simply set sail whenever they fancy a change of scenery. Particularly noteworthy: the vessel is designed to be operated without a permanent professional crew. This autonomy is not a minor aspect, but one of the central design principles.
Layout
Anyone stepping on board will quickly realise that the layout has been designed more like a city flat than a traditional boat. The main living areas are on the lower deck. In the centre is a large living area with a saloon and dining area, with the galley right next to it. The sleeping area comprises two cabins; the owner’s cabin is located in the bow and leads from there to a private outdoor lounge, screened off from the communal areas on the upper deck. The technical and engine rooms are housed aft, whilst the wheelhouse is raised towards the stern, ensuring a better view when navigating through narrow canals. The entire upper deck is almost entirely laid out as a terrace, with a dining area, sofas, sun loungers and plenty of open space. The width of 4.85 metres – unusual for a yacht of this length – creates noticeably more usable space than is typically found on a yacht of comparable length.
Landing site for passenger drones
One variation on the design takes this a step further: an area on the upper deck for the landing of passenger drones or eVTOLs (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles). Although these aircraft are still in the early stages of development, they could become part of urban mobility in a few years’ time, and the ship would then serve as a hub connecting water, land and air. At present, this remains a vision, but it demonstrates just how thoroughly the project has been thought through: a centuries-old type of ship is being completely reimagined for the life of tomorrow.
Customisation is possible
Ultimately, the canal boat is conceived as a platform, not as a finished product. The exterior design, interior fit-out, layout and navigational characteristics can be tailored to the wishes of the respective owner. Cantieri Navali di Termoli would contribute its expertise in the construction of steel and aluminium vessels, whilst the design incorporates elements typical of yachts. The stability of steel remains a core element, complemented by solutions for sustainable navigation. Neither a barge-shaped yacht nor a luxurious cargo barge, what emerges here is a unique type of vessel that, of all things, turns the strict restrictions of European inland waterway transport into a design principle.
Technical Specifications
- Overall length: 19.90 metres
- Width: 4.85 metres
- Draught at full load: 1.20 metres
- Clearance height: 3.40 metres (from the waterline to the hardtop)
- Fuselage material: Steel
- CE category: C/B (planned)
- Drive: Series hybrid electric drive
- Electric motors: 2 × 80 kW
- Generator: 45 kW
- Cruising speed: 7.5 to 8.5 knots
- Maximum speed: 10.5 knots (approx.)
- Energy system: Battery pack, solar panels, shore power connection
- Cabins: 2
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology