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An invisible, zero-emission yacht that, once in operation, will be totally self-sufficient. All printed in 3D. It sounds perhaps like a futuristic utopia and, instead, it wants to be a reality. It is the Pegasus 88m, a design by Jozeph Forakis and his team. What is it actually about?
The Pegasus 88m, although currently at the concept stage, aims to be the world’s first 3D printed superyacht and, most importantly, equipped with a solar-electric hydrogen hybrid propulsion.
With this boost it could virtually be self-sufficient and with almost infinite autonomy, weather permitting. Of course, however, invisible it is not really, but it adopts solutions that mitigate its impact as much as possible, camouflaging it in the environment. Let’s take a closer look at it.
3D printing is certainly not new. We have seen it in use for years now and applied to everything from jewelry to construction. Somehow, though, thinking about a 3D-printed 88-meter makes an impact, especially thinking about the structures required for such construction and, even more, thinking about the strengths involved on the hull when finished. And perhaps this is the least revolutionary aspect of the concept.
In fact, the actually fascinating components are three others: the ‘invisible’ design of the exterior, the propulsion and the tree of life-the latter being the real focus of the project. But let’s go step by step.
Invisible, certainly the Pegasus 88m is not, but it is designed to be more so than many other giants of a similar nature. Inspired by the movements of clouds, low on the horizon, the idea behind the aesthetics of the hull is to minimize the visual impacts of volumes by mimicking the mirror play between water and clouds. All the volumes of the superstructure are thus designed to evoke the shapes of cumulonimbuses and, made of reflective material, so as to take on the tones and play of light of the environment in which they are immersed. The hull is itself a participant in this play of mirrors, and appears long and slender, yet keeping low on the water.
From here emerges the idea of invisibility, that is, in the design of a yacht that, despite its size, does not impact the environment as if it were a huge floating condominium, but rather is respectful of the environment of which it is a host, even through aesthetics alone.
Moving on to the next step, we find the so-called ‘Tree of Life,’ the center of the inner areas and a testament to the existing balances in nature. It is developed vertically on 4 levels, crossing 4 distinct bridges, and is a hydroponic growing apparatus. That is, a whole system of plants intended not only to stock the galley, but to purify the air inside the entire superyacht. A kind of controlled small forest, able to satisfy a double need and, at the same time, intended to create an incredible atmosphere aboard the Pegasus 88m.
Finally, the propulsion system. Another small technical breakthrough, although still far from being actually realized. With the intention of making the entire complex carbon neutral (when at sea), the Pegasus 88m will be propelled by a hybrid propulsion system powered entirely by energy recovered on board.
That is, according to the concept, a whole system of solar panels will produce enough energy to desalinate, deionize and electrolyze seawater. It will then be possible to extract H2 (hydrogen) from seawater and store it in high-pressure tanks. Hence, the game would seem to be thus played, using the on-board fuel cells to convert hydrogen into electricity, powering the on-board lithium-ion battery system, with which to meet both propulsion and all on-board electrical needs.
An extremely fascinating system, but one that at the same time creates an enormous amount of questions, which we will probably only have actual answers to in the future. In the meantime, if you were interested, you can find the official website of Jozeph Forakis here.
*photo credits: Jozeph Forakis
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