The Dutch shipyard Feadship is expanding its Explorer portfolio with the 79.5 metre long Valorwhich recently left the shipyard in Aalsmeer to complete its first sea trials on the North Sea. Built for an experienced US customer, the frigate-style De Voogt design surprises with a successful mix of the dreadnought bow of a battleship and the silhouette of a modern frigate. "The owner had clear specifications," explains designer Chris Bottom. "The design had to be recognisable from space and unique. That's why the experienced yacht owner rejected the typical 'wedding cake' design and the often curvy shapes of many yachts."
Construction suitable for the Arctic
"Valor" was specially designed for expeditions in Arctic waters. Her steel hull has a two metre wide ice belt above and below the waterline, which qualifies the yacht for the "Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2" classification. This classification enables the owner to realise his dream of crossing the Northwest Passage. In addition, the ship is equipped with heat exchangers that can recycle and store energy. This technology enables the robust Explorer and its crew to operate efficiently even in extreme Arctic conditions.
Innovative hybrid drive
In terms of technology, the modern propulsion system stands out in particular. According to Feadship, this is "one of the most environmentally friendly and efficient yacht propulsion systems available today". Instead of conventional main engines and auxiliary generators, the yacht relies on a diesel-electric, battery-powered propulsion system, which is supported by a solar cell system on the mast. Power is supplied by four variable-speed, highly efficient generators that are connected to a DC grid and a network of water-cooled lithium-ion batteries. This system enables "Valor" to operate for up to two days without CO2 emissions. In addition, the voluminous displacer (2,025 gross tonnes) has five times the electrical power of the 83.5-metre-long "Savannah", which Feadship launched in 2015. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent, is also used during the test runs. Stabilisation systems from Quantum, including XT fins and Maglift stabilisers, make the Feadship with the construction number 715 a comfortable base for world cruises.
Interior from Bannenberg & Rowell
Inside, "Valor" offers space for up to 14 guests in six cabins on the main deck. One deck is dedicated to the owner, with a forward-facing cabin overlooking the helideck, an outdoor lounge with private Jacuzzi, a spacious dressing room with en-suite bathroom and an office. The skylounge allows formal dining for the owner and his guests, with sliding glass walls for flexible indoor/outdoor use. The interior was designed by the British Studio Bannenberg & Rowell responsible. The London team opted for a mix of vintage and mid-century aesthetics, complemented by high-quality stonework and customised furniture from renowned manufacturers such as George Nakashima, Linley, Pollaro and Silver Lining. A particular highlight is the main staircase designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, a masterpiece of 48,001 individual pieces, including solid bronze and stone.
Technical specifications:
- Length: 79.5 metres
- Hull material: steel
- Gross tonnage: 2,025 GT
- Drive: Diesel-electric with batteries and solar cells
- Maximum speed: over 15 knots
- Cruising speed: 11 knots
- Propulsion: Two Schottel EcoPeller azimuth thrusters
- Ice classification: Bureau Veritas Young Ice 2
- Guest capacity: 14 people in 6 cabins
- Special features: infinity pool (8.4 x 2.6 metres), helideck
- Zero-emission operation: up to 2 days possible
- Energy supply: 4 generators
- Battery: Water-cooled lithium-ion batteries
- Additional energy source: solar panel system on the mast
- Fuel: Testing with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil BioFuel (HVO)
- Emission reduction through HVO: up to 90%
