Electric propulsion specialist, ePropulsion, says the GR63 Eco-Catamaran is now fully built and operational and will have a formal debut in the coming months.
ePropulsion partnered with Gilles Reigner on the catamaran project. Designed, engineered and built to deliver zero-emission performance, the GR63 Eco-Catamaran is said to offer cutting-edge technology, advanced materials and an industry-first energy management system.
Reigner says: “ePropulsion’s system not only meets our technical requirements for zero-emission sailing, but also enhances the reliability and range performance of the entire vessel through superior integration capabilities. This marks an important step towards sustainability in the luxury yacht industry, and ePropulsion is undoubtedly a key partner in achieving this goal.”
Claimed to be an industry-first, the catamaran’s AI-based energy management system continuously monitors and optimises energy flows, balancing solar, wind, battery and fuel cell inputs in real time.
The system uses adaptive load management to prioritise propulsion, HVAC and hotel systems, to maximise efficiency depending on the conditions. According to ePropulsion, predictive algorithms anticipate demand and adjust usage dynamically, maintaining autonomy even during extended voyages or in changing weather.
“The electrical system aboard the GR63 sets a new standard in marine electrification,” adds Ricky Cole, technical director at ePropulsion. “It delivers true long range, zero emission performance while seamlessly integrating multiple energy sources. This is what the future of yachting should look like, and it is here today.”
It’s been an impressive year for ePropulsion, with the manufacturer announcing in April a 40 per cent year-on-year increase in sales for 2024.
Electric catamaran sailing
The GR63 measures 19.2 metres and has been designed for complete energy independence. ePropulsion reports it is equipped with twin 110kW electric motors powered by a 284kWh LiFePO₄ battery bank, a 12kWp solar array that can generate over 66kWh of energy per day in Thailand’s conditions, vertical axis wind turbines providing 10kW of combined output, transparent solar glazing and a solar shading awning that both produce power without compromising design, and dual 15kW methanol fuel cells that provide clean, silent backup energy.
The hull and superstructure are built from a high-performance composite of basalt and aramid fibre.
A unique feature of the GR63 Eco-Catamaran is the dedicated hydroponic cultivation area – designed to enable guests to enjoy fresh produce grown onboard.
The vessel features a bespoke inverter-driven air conditioning system with titanium heat exchangers and ‘silent’ DC motor operation.
Certified CE Class A Ocean, the GR63 is engineered for bluewater cruising while delivering an onboard experience that combines modern luxury with low-impact living.
The post ePropulsion reveals launch of GR63 Eco-Catamaran appeared first on Marine Industry News.
Leave a Reply