Emission-free local transfers in Bora Bora Whilst talk is gathering apace around the future of maritime electrification, for one Gurit customer who has had solar electric boats in operation since 2016, it’s business as usual. Soel Yachts started out with a mission to design and build fully sustainable and highly efficient boats, with the SoelCat 12, a fully solar electric excursion boat for 12 passengers, the first design off the drawing board. Fast forward 6 years: two Soel Shuttle 14 vessels, each with a maximum capacity of 24 passengers were delivered to a hotel resort in Bora Bora earlier this year, for guests to enjoy emission-free airport and town transfers.
maximise the deck space. In her delivered configuration, she offers passengers a very comfortable and noise-free, zero emission ride, with a cruising speed of 7 knots and a range of 45 nm.” Soel Yachts collaborated with Gurit on the composite structural engineering of both the 12 and the 14, and this collaboration continues with the design underway for the newest addition to the Soel Yachts’ portfolio, the Soel Senses 62, a private live-aboard electric catamaran.
Lightweight, durability and maximized deck space From the first line drawing, every aspect of a Soel Yachts’ boat is purposefully designed and engineered for efficient clean solar electric propulsion. Low weight plays a key role, especially in decisions around the composite hull design and build process. “We work very closely with Gurit to define our structural weight targets at the outset, and to help us monitor and manage the weight during the build process,” says Linda Brembs of Soel Yachts. “For the Soel Shuttle 14 we decided on a production-friendly vacuum infused E-glass sandwich laminate, which balances durability and low weight; and Gurit’s structural solution has enabled us to
Soel Yachts Managing Partners (L-R): Linda Brembs, David Czap & Joep Koster
April 2022 Gurit Marine Newsletter 5 of 7
