Luca Dini reveals new carbon neutral concept Cetacean

Italian designer Luca Dini Design & Architecture has revealed a futuristic new concept for a carbon neutral mode of water transport. The 28-metre vessel, Cetacean, features a fully electric propulsion system as well a roof top solar panels to ensure “total respect for the environment”.

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The aluminium multihull design was brought about by Luca Dini Design & Architecture’s work with a protected marine area in the Middle East. The company wanted to create a vessel that could move around inside the area without negatively impacting on the environment.

With a draft of just 1.2 metres Cetacean is powered by batteries that can be recharged when the boat is moored in a specifically designed dock. The patented dock design works by absorbing the water’s tides and waves and a full charge takes approximately four hours. When the boat is underway, solar panels on the yacht’s roof will power all the on-board systems, including lighting and home automation.

Cetacean was partly inspired by sketches of a boat by Leonardo da Vinci, dating back to 1470, which used wind turbines to help with propulsion. “Clean and harmonious lines come together in a vessel whose essence and philosophy is that of total respect for the environment,” explained a spokesperson from Luca Dini Design & Architecture.

With a cruising speed of 12 knots Cetacean will be able to carry 25 people on board as well as five crew. “Cetacean has been designed to perform several functions and can be outfitted with different configurations, from a shuttle for transfers from the marina to smaller islands, to a mobile hospital or cargo carrier, and even an entirely private vessel,” added the spokesperson.