Feadship's latest superyacht, Obsidian, measuring 84.2 metres, has been successfully delivered after exceeding expectations during sea trials in the North Sea. This hybrid vessel represents a new generation of reduced-emission yachts from the Dutch shipyard. Formerly known as Project 710, the yacht features a futuristic exterior design by RWD in collaboration with MONK Design and is equipped with biofuel generators.

In line with Feadship's commitment to sustainability, Obsidian employs second-generation biodiesel (HVO) in its generators, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil-fuel-powered yachts. The yacht was designed to be more energy-efficient and emit less carbon than Feadship's first hybrid yacht, Savannah, launched in 2015. Obsidian boasts 4.5 times more electrical storage capacity, eliminating drive shafts and rudders to minimize drag. Electric drive and steering are achieved through optimized electric Veth contra-rotating thrusters, delivering maximum efficiency and minimal vibration.

One of the distinctive features is the "Aqua Lounge," offering large windows below sea level, reminiscent of the Nemo lounge on Savannah. An asymmetrical atrium staircase leads to a lower deck dining saloon, featuring a wall that opens to reveal a terrace only 75 centimetres above sea level.

The interior design includes unconventional layouts with most of the spaces featuring non-90-degree angles. The swimming pool sits diagonally behind smoked glass on the asymmetric stern, and submarine anchors allow for a bow observation lounge with double curved glass floor-to-ceiling windows.

Powering the yacht is a 4.5 MWh battery bank charged by four generators with tweaked CatC32 engines, delivering power as needed. Obsidian operates fully on electricity, utilizing a 1,000-volt DC system. With silent battery operation at anchor for 10-15 hours and the ability to cruise 35 nautical miles at 10 knots on batteries alone, the yacht achieves impressive energy efficiency.

Weight-saving measures were also taken, including carbon-fibre louvred aft deck overhangs attached to the aluminum superstructure without support pillars, reducing weight and offering new deck layout possibilities.

Both primary tenders are electric-powered and custom-made by Tenderworks, with four fast-charging stations available for water or tender garage charging. Construction of Obsidian began in 2020, making her the 17th collaboration between RWD and Feadship. The delivery of Obsidian aligns with Feadship's objective of achieving carbon-neutral superyachts by 2030, and she now stands as the 17th largest yacht delivered by the shipyard.

Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.

yachtharbour.com