International Spotlight: 3DELUXE
Available to purchase as an NFT, the 3DELUXE yacht concept is changing the future of sustainable yachting
Changing the way we think
The worlds of Augmented Reality (AR) and NFT (non-fungible token) are confusing concepts, but when the right minds come together, innovation can result in enhanced changes for all industries. In terms of the superyacht industry, design platform, 3Deluxe, have partnered with the virtual world in AR, SuperWorld, to launch an emissions free super yacht which will be for sale as an NFT in the SuperWorld marketplace. Launched to coincide with the Monaco Boat Show, the 3D superyacht is free to admire in the port of Monaco in the SuperWorld app.
The concept is one example of the industry rethinking the future for sustainability as the effects of the climate crisis are felt around the world. As many have begun to understand, there are multiple areas within the boating sector that can be improved upon, one of which is zero-emission ships. 3Deluxe’s design study for a zero-emission superyacht is an initiative to pull together technological innovations and ambitious outer and interior designs to set new standards within the industry.
The interior is infused with immense light, and the loft-like design allows for well-thought-out use of space made up of a greenhouse, a lounge living area, a kitchen, bar and even a vegetable garden. The greenery and natural surroundings replace the cold acrylic and brass, creating a new sense of luxury as well as a clean air environment. Reserves won’t need to be filled as often with healthy food cultivation on-board and fresh fish from the ocean, and along with the immense room for relaxation, workouts, online business meetings and entertainment areas, the yacht is a real paradisiacal home on the ocean. A seawater desalination system can be used to water the plants, which is powered by the zero-carbon solar panels on the roof and the exterior. Within the greenhouse, the master bedroom has an open top with clear views of the starry night sky, completing the open and close-to-nature design of the yacht.
The yacht’s hull merges seamlessly with the side façade right up to the highest point of the ship, while sensor-controlled louvres are integrated into the raised side walls to help regulate the amount of light reaching the upper decks, which can be closed during fast sailing or adverse weather. The helm for the vessel is located at the bow, allowing the open sundeck behind it extra room for a seamless interior concept. The open stern features a saltwater pool as well as a small marina with direct access to the sea.
In terms of power, the fuel cells will be driven by hydrogen, which can either be refuelled or produced locally using methanol from emissions-free production. While expensive, with maturity and more marketing, methanol will become increasingly affordable for commercial shipping, especially with one full tank of bio-methanol fuelling a yacht travelling at slow speed for 1000NM. The electric engines will be silent and can be distributed throughout the ship to help avoid any outward noise pollution — the interior will be quiet and free of vibrations. The construction aims to be emission-free also, with thought going to steel and aluminium producers in Norway and Germany who are driving down CO2 emissions in their processes and recycling. The design plans of the yacht are therefore a gateway for other manufacturers to implement sustainable thinking and practices into their future projects.
The 3Deluxe team said they hope the ship’s future owner will make it available for educational purposes while not in use. “Our aim is to use the project as a communicative platform for discussion of the complex challenges of our time and as an unconventional location for summits, conferences and think tanks.”
Half the proceeds of the superyacht NFT sale will go to Sea Change, a marine conservation organisation.