The World’s Largest Hybrid Production Yacht
Unique Concept
Some of the most significant technological advances are fostered by people or corporations with the courage to start with a “blank slate”. Products emerge that respond to the question, “What might be possible if we think outside the box?”
We mariners of a “certain age” can clearly remember a time when yachts were powered only by internal combustion engines, sails, or a combination thereof. Electric propulsion was limited to short-range electric outboards intended for use in skiffs and dinghies. “Everybody knew” (or thought they knew) that larger vessels would forever be gulping embarrassing amounts of fuel or subject to the vagaries of the wind. It “would be impossible” to design a yacht around any other concept.
About 15 years ago, Greenline Yachts dared to think outside the box. Greenline has launched over 600 boats with either all-electric or diesel-electric hybrid drives, making them an unchallenged leader in the electric and hybrid yachts field. While other builders are still trying to figure out the technology, Greenline continues to perfect a proven and patented concept.
The smallest Greenline Yacht is a 33-footer, and there are additional larger models. The largest diesel-electric hybrid production yacht built anywhere in the world is the Greenline Ocean Class 68.
(Click on an image to enlarge it)
Ocean Class is far more than a brand name. Since 1998, all vessels sold in Europe are required to qualify for a CE rating. Yachts and boats are classified in categories A, B, C, and D. Only the most stoutly constructed yachts of sturdy design will qualify for CE category A often referred to as “Open Ocean” capable. The Greenline Ocean Class 68 qualifies for a CE A rating, meeting or exceeding standards that require a vessel to be capable of navigating the open ocean, and withstanding winds exceeding Beaufort 8 (“Gale force, 34-40 knots”) and waves of more than 4 meters, (about 14 feet). In summary CE class A defines a vessel capable of being “self-sufficient in hostile seas”.
Many yards can deliver a yacht built to CE Class A standards. Many yards, including Greenline Ocean Class, can deliver Class A yachts with luxurious features and elegant design. But only Greenline 68 Ocean Class delivers a vessel in this size category with the versatility of a hybrid drive system, or the additional safety associated with unequaled redundancy.
Exterior Features and Design
The Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht is a proud presence at the dock. From every angle of view, the design of the hull and superstructure meld into a form that has a nautical character and visual appeal. Generous freeboard, a high bow with an obvious stormy weather flare, as well relatively low rise on the forward section of the superstructure affirm that the CE Class A rating was designed into this hull from blueprints on up. Stateroom windows below the sheer line are designed to be unbreakable by the worst imaginable seas.
To board the Greenline 68 Ocean Class from a standard dock or float, the easiest access will be across the swim platform. There are boarding doors on the port and starboard side of the cockpit, but the high freeboard would require a boarding ladder except from a fixed pier. The swim platform provides the first glimpse of the gorgeous, sold teak decking, used extensively on the exterior of the Greenline 68 Ocean Class. The swim platform has fold away chocks, permitting stowage of up to perhaps a 14-foot dinghy. The platform is hydraulic, so the dinghy is launched by simply lowering the shore boat into the water and retrieved by literally lifting it out.
A transom hatch opens from the swim platform to the “Crew Quarters”, with the machinery room through yet another bulkhead forward. We’ll revisit these areas later in the review.
Molded fiberglass steps, overlaid with teak decking, gain the cockpit from both the port and starboard sides of the swim platform. One of the prevailing characteristics of the 68 Ocean Class is the presence in every imaginably necessary location of large, stainless rails. This is a vessel upon which one can move around safely in high seas.
In the aft corners of the cockpit are matching hydraulic winches and cleats. Certain to be useful for managing stern lines when docking under less-than-ideal conditions, or holding a position along the wall when “locking through”.
The cockpit is one of three “outdoor” gathering areas aboard the Greenline 68. There is protection from the elements with the overhead hardtop, with built-in lighting. A signature design element of the Greenline 68 is the use of solid, 3-inch-thick slabs of solid hardwood for tables throughout, including the table fronting the cockpit seating and affixed to the teak deck with strong, stainless legs. Stunning, sturdy, and practical- the tables aboard a Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht are indicative of the builder’s design concepts.
There is vertical access to the crew quarters from a hatch concealed in the transom seating, as well as a machinery room hatch immediately forward of the transom table.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the cockpit area is that it is not necessarily separate from the galley in the main cabin. Folding doors create a full opening between the starboard half of the cockpit and the main cabin, and a drop-down partition drops down to create a serving bar between the galley and the cockpit. Someone can be working in the galley, turning out some appetizers or fetching some beverages, and remain fully involved in the conversation and socializing.
Teak steps on stainless supports gain the flybridge from the cockpit. One evidence of thoughtful design on the Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht is that the flybridge helm is to port, while the lower helm is to starboard. Docking to starboard, use of the lower helm with the pilot door open permits full view of the starboard side of the boat and the dock. Docking to port, using the upper helm (with the swim step visible down through the companionway stairs) permits full visibility for side ties or stern-to-moorings. There is fine visibility over the bow from the upper helm. There are, of course, cameras available as well.
Forward of the upper helm station is the sun lounge. While the rest of the flybridge is protected by a stylish hardtop, Greenline realized that one area in which people would want direct sunlight would be a sun lounge and that portion of the flybridge is open to solar radiation. A settee with a teak dining table is to starboard, opposite the flybridge helm.
Immediately aft on the “boat deck”, (which will more likely be used for socializing with a dinghy on the swim platform chocks) is a super-functional entertainment center. An electric grill, a sink, a refrigerator, and an icemaker will facilitate entertaining in this area. The classy atmosphere is maintained, with the same genuine teak decks and large diameter stainless railings found throughout the deck areas of the boat.
Back on the main deck and moving forward toward the bow, it’s easy to appreciate the high bulwarks topped with stout railings. One can easily visualize going forward on these decks, perhaps carrying something in hand, without fear of slipping over the side. The aft portions of the side decks are protected with an overhang from the flybridge. One of the hundreds of thoughtful touches on a Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht is the use of a stainless steel “shield” around every cleat. Mooring lines won’t chafe against the fiberglass hull, with a dirty result.
The foredeck is well laid out for practicality as well as leisure. Two anchors may be mounted, with copious amounts of all chain rode stowed in port and starboard lockers. The windlasses are hydraulic, rather than electric. The starboard rode locker houses a washdown system with which to blast away any mud or crud when hauling the anchor long before it can come aboard.
Seating on the foredeck includes a sun lounge, with a reversible backrest that provides a headrest for a person laid down with feet forward and slides backward to create a backrest for people facing another row of foredeck seating immediately aft.
There is plenty of stowage for lines, fenders, and other miscellaneous deck and docking items in lockers below the seats on the foredeck.
Interior features and design
The most common entrance to the interior will be through the stainless doors between the cockpit and the main cabin.
The most common remark among people coming aboard will probably be “Wow!”
Interior finishes are simultaneously functional and elegant, in a well-planned and practical layout.
In the aft port quarter of the main cabin, a galley features all electric appliances, including a dishwasher. Miele ™ appliances are a common choice. There are an abundance of lockers and drawers for stowage, as well as a handy “coffee garage” in the extreme aft of the galley. Upper galley lockers have built-in “retainers” that will prevent contents from spilling out if the Greenline 68 encounters rocky seas. Solid surface countertops have raised edges to prevent any random spills or drips from escaping down the joinery or finding the cabin sole in a seaway. The induction cooktop, electric oven, and seriously efficient vent hood are to port in the galley, with the molded sink and faucet facing aft from the 90-degree return immediately forward. Garbage and recycling may be sorted in a dedicated space below the sink.
Opposite the galley, to starboard, is another of the solid hardwood slab tables Greenline features on the 68 Ocean Hybrid Yacht. One of the first items likely to be noticed upon entry from the aft deck, the table sets a high bar for a visitor’s expectations; a bar that the builder proceeds to clear with relative ease.
Up two small steps from the galley and dining area are a cabin with the lower helm to starboard, and a well-designed settee to port. Just to starboard of the companionway is a built-in wine cooler and behind that a very impressive, push button operated two-tier service bar that disappears into a space behind the wine cooler underway and emerges to become an entertainment center in port or at anchor.
Forward of the wine cooler and concealed service bar is a fixture with stowage for wine glasses, a couple of generously proportioned drawers, and a TV screen that disappears into the fixture when underway. Again, with Greenline building the 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht with a full expectation that it might see some truly offshore conditions, there’s a recessed area for video remotes or other items which might otherwise go flying in a beam sea.
Large windows with electric blinds and thoughtfully engineered overhead lighting will enhance any mood or provide maximum visibility from the main cabin.
The lower helm is next to a positive-sealed pilot door, which is electrically operated (with manual backup). Electronics aboard the Greenline 68 Ocean Hybrid Yacht are fully integrated with the diesel and electric drive systems. Hydraulic bow and stern thrusters are standard.
Sidepower ™ “zero motion” stabilizers are controlled from the lower helm- permitting a very steady experience underway or at anchor.
Three staterooms, and three heads, are down the companionway steps forward of the lower helm.
A guest stateroom is immediately to starboard at the base of the companionway steps. Two single bunks, (which appear capable of sliding together to make a double), head up against the aft bulkhead. Large stainless portlights introduce some natural light to the compartment and can be opened for ventilation. A hanging locker, with a lighted garment rail, provides more stowage space than many people expect in a guest stateroom.
The guest stateroom has individual access to the semi-private “day head”, immediately forward. The day head includes sink, marine toilet, and a shower stall- and is additionally accessed by a door at the base of the companionway steps.
Most forward on the lower deck is the VIP stateroom, adequately roomy and sufficiently deluxe to put the “master stateroom” on many lesser yachts to shame. Immediately noticeable are the windows to both port and starboard. The design and bracing mullions of the shatterproof glass are of sufficient structural strength to not jeopardize the CE A rating of the Greenline 68 Ocean Class Yacht.
The VIP stateroom includes a centerline queen berth, two hanging lockers, built-in sound and video systems, and a private head with deluxe fixtures and a tile shower.
The master stateroom is a full-beam design, with about seven feet of standing headroom. The same extraordinary windows seen in the VIP stateroom grace the master, allowing open views and high light levels when desired. A variety of additional light sources, including lighting at the cabin sole, are available to render the ambiance “just right.” There are “his and hers” hanging lockers, a “ship’s office,” a set of wardrobe stowage drawers to starboard, and a settee to port.
The ensuite head for the master stateroom includes premium fixtures and a “two-person” tiled shower.
Crew Quarters and Machinery Room
A couple of steps off the swim platform and through the dogged-down transom hatch are the “crew quarters.” At 68-feet, most owners would not actually employ a crew- but the additional bunk space and compact ensuite head might prove handy for guests partying on the swim platform. Another practical application would include a situation where a licensed captain operated the boat as a charter vessel.
Immediately forward of the crew quarters is the machinery room. There is room to locate a diesel generator, but unless an owner intends to spend many days at anchor without starting the engines a generator is not a necessity aboard the Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht. Large battery banks, and solar panels on the hardtop over the flybridge, will keep the all-electric systems on the vessel powered for extended use.
Lithium-ion batteries flank both sides of a diamond plate walkway. The batteries create a 145-kWh reserve of power. A pair of 60 kW electric motors drive the propeller shafts when the diesel engines are not running, and conversely switch into generator mode to charge the battery banks when the diesels are engaged.
With a close-to-silent “stealth” capability, battery-only range is approximately 20 nautical miles, at typical trawler speeds of around 8 knots. And with an optional second battery the range increases to an impressive 40 nautical miles. Various diesel options are available, and a pair of 1000-HP Cats are said to be capable of driving the boat at speeds up to 25 knots.
With the ability to select electric power for slow-speed operation and high speeds provided by the diesels, the combustion engines aren’t subjected to the disproportionate wear and tear that slow-speed operation extracts from diesels. It’s also possible that the small additional initial cost of a hybrid yacht will be more than offset by improved resale value- the main engines will have many fewer hours when the vessel eventually changes hands.
And of course, redundancy is incredibly enhanced with two complete power systems, one diesel, and one electric, with which to power the Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht.
Conclusion
Remember that “blank slate” and “thinking outside the box”?
The builders of the Greenline 68 Ocean Class Hybrid Yacht not only succeeded in making the yacht innovative and different, but they also created a product which (with its CE A “open ocean” rating) is structurally better than many competing models. Fit, finish, features, layout, systems, and specifications are beyond exceptional.
In an era where the entire world is paying more attention than ever to environmental issues, the Greenline 68 very directly addresses concerns about efficiency and sustainability. Improved fuel efficiency, effective use of solar panels, fewer emissions, and nearly silent cruising when in electrical mode make this yacht truly unique.
Watch a Video Walkthrough
For a video tour, check out this video by Boattest.
Technical Specs and Pricing
For technical specs, drawings, pricing and more details go to the following page:
