Battery-Power Moves Ahead in the Yacht Sector

November 11, 2020

Yachting Journal

‘Galaxy of Happiness’ – a Jean-Jacques Coste design. © Fraser Yachts

Yachts de Luxe (YdL) of Singapore placed a 10-year, $5 million contract with OXIS Energy to build the world’s first ever luxury boat to be powered by Lithium Sulfur (Li-S) cell and battery systems technology with a design range between 70 and 100 nautical miles at cruising speed.

OXIS will work with YdL to design the new 40 foot luxury day boat which will carry a 400 kWh battery system comprising of Ultra Light, High-Power cells and a BMS.  The design and manufacture of the cells modules, the BMS and its installation will be carried out by Williams Advanced Engineering, a subcontractor on the project.  This joint expertise will secure enhanced safety levels and the necessary elimination of distance and safety anxiety.

“The collaboration with YdL and the renowned French naval architect Jean Jacques Coste is an example of how entrepreneurial companies are able to utilize their expertise and move swiftly to deploy new state of the art technology, which brings with it a paradigm shift in maritime transportation," said Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO, OXIS Energy. "In August 2020, OXIS successfully powered the first ever U.S. built electric aircraft with a flight time of just under two hours. The flight was approved by both NASA and the Federal Aviation Authority. Our intention is to achieve the same level of success in maritime applications. The collaboration allows us to achieve this, and provides a level of safety to our seafaring clients, far beyond existing Lithium Ion battery systems.”  

"This is the starting point of numerous projects including service boats and our Mega Yachts," said Jean Jacques, Director of YdL. 

The electrified Luxury Day Boat will be on display at the Monaco Boat show in September 2021.