Rolls-Royce to Equip Ice Class Superyacht

UK-based engineering company Rolls-Royce has won a contract to provide the propulsion and power electric systems for a new ice classified superyacht.

The 70-meter-long superyacht, King Shark, is being built in Viareggio by Italian yacht company Rossinavi. The newbuilding is scheduled to be completed by 2021.

The vessel is designed inside and out by Team for Design, a yacht design and architecture firm based in Venice, Italy. Naval architecture is by Arrabito Naval Architects and the yacht will be certified under Rina and Lloyd’s.

“We are thrilled to be constructing this super yacht, at 70 metres – ambitious for its scale and finish, but special for its ice classification,” Federico Rossi, Chief Operating Office at Rossinavi, said.

As explained by Rolls-Royce, electric propulsion allows the vessel to travel extensive distances, a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots and to reach a top speed of 17 knots.

The Rolls-Royce SAVE Cube system is said to allow the engines to be operated at variable speeds increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at the different operating conditions. Installing drives, frequency converter and switchboard in a single cabinet also allows easier installation and saves space.

The company is also supplying two Azipull AZP085 azimuth thrusters. This combination of low drag body and pulling propeller gives a high propulsive efficiency and enhanced maneuverability, together with good course keeping ability, according to Rolls-Royce.

Rolls-Royce is also supplying a dynamic positioning system for the vessel. This will help keep the vessel safe in the most extreme conditions by providing a “dynamic anchoring” capability which will hold the vessel in position counteracting the effects of both wind and wave.