Echo Yachts, a specialist in building custom superyachts and refit, has declared that it’s focusing its new product development efforts on advanced-engineered, ecologically-focused superyachts for like-minded clients, following the response to the Singapore-owned White Rabbit trimaran.
Built by Echo Yachts, the Singapore-owned White Rabbit is an 84m trimaran
Mark Stothard, the company’s owner and CEO, said: “Echo Yachts will always custom design and build to suit each client’s requirements, but moving forward we’ll be focusing our efforts on new superyacht designs that, first and foremost, utilise technologically advanced and sustainable solutions.
“There are no good reasons for our industry to keep perpetuating outdated technologies and hull designs of the past. If we’re going to promote new products, let’s promote the best possible.”
The catalyst for the new direction has been driven by feedback from owners and senior members of the industry about the 84m White Rabbit, combined with the environmental gains and running-cost improvements delivered by the platform of the diesel-electric trimaran, which Echo launched at its West Australia facility in 2018.
Owned by a Singaporean family and based in the city-state, White Rabbit has been recognised for its efficient tri-hull form and unique propulsion-system arrangement, which improves power and fuel efficiency by 40 per cent compared to conventional monohull superyachts of similar volume, speed and range, according to Echo.
The bow of White Rabbit, showing the efficient hull design that saves running costs
At the forefront of applying Australia’s world-renowned aluminium multihull construction expertise to custom megayachts, Echo intends to improve its yachts with environmentally-conscious power sources, power storage, propulsion, equipment and construction-material technologies.
“Our industry, like many others, has a responsibility to our environment and future generations to embrace the latest available technology and develop it at every opportunity. This reduces waste, pollution and spend on running costs, so money can be better invested elsewhere,” Stothard said.
“We are putting the call out far and wide. If you’re a supplier of innovative green-tech solutions for superyachts, a Captain or broker with good ideas and suggestions, or an owner looking to step away from the old and into new super-efficient superyachts, we encourage you to reach out to us.”
The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 51. Email [email protected] for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/