The acclaimed Mallorca-based yacht design studio BYD Group unveiled a new superyacht project that was created in collaboration with Atollvic Shipyard.

The BYD 50 is the latest generation yacht, with a full hybrid propulsion system with azimuthal thrusters. Equipped with four diesel generators, and two fuel cells with a complete energy management system with a pack of batteries, the project the project should push the boundaries of efficiency and innovation in the yachting industry.

Utmost efficiency

This would mean that the 50-meter yacht will be able to run with different scenarios, one with diesel, one fully electric (for a limited range, depending on the battery pack), with hydrogen, or with the combination of any of the above in case of a high power demand. It goes away from conventional yachting to become a fully efficient and eco-friendly yacht.

All the power requirements for the yacht, power, and hotel electronics are produced in the power plant and then distributed. “It means that we increase the efficiency dramatically,” said Tià Simó, principal architect at BYD.

The propulsion is done through azipod electric drives thus managing to have superior manoeuvrability as well as optimization of the thrust line with the flow around the hull.

Thanks to the advanced propulsion and efficient hull design, the BYD 50 can cruise autonomously for up to 5,500 nautical miles – good for the transatlantic crossing.

“The whole concept is based on very simple lines, which work perfectly with each other and define the design,” added Simó. “We are proposing a modern and elegant yacht, in line of the latest design tendencies, but with simplicity, that will last over the time, with simple harmonic and streamlined shapes, studied proportions, and large exterior social areas, and a very spacious beach club, with plenty of platforms to work spend the day on the water. We optimised the aerodynamics to reduce air drag and improve the overall efficiency of the yacht. She has a contained beam of 9.1m, in order to keep the boat slender, and we maximized the waterline length, all that to improve efficiency. A very important difference is that the yacht is studied and proposed to reduce emissions and gain energy efficiency.”

Profile and layout

The BYD Group’s design team has drawn a very attractive and modern profile for the new yacht. Every details plays an important role and helps reinforce the muscular, dynamic and aggressive overall look of the BYD 50 with her nearly vertical bow, panoramic glazing and dark hardtop.

On the exterior, the yacht has five different areas, emphasizing the beach club next to the sea that acts as a garage as well and can fit a tender as long as 8.3 m, with two large side-folding platforms.

The main deck has a large sun bathing area as well as comfortable seating. On deck one there’s an exterior social area with a dining table for 12 and, in the aft, a large pool that converts into a helipad, and sunbathing and relaxation area.

There is a huge space on flybridge with a bar, a Jacuzzi, and seating areas for enjoying panoramic views, covered with a large hardtop, which is covered by solar panels.

The guest areas consist of four generous cabins on the lower deck, including a VIP suite. A huge master is situated on the main deck and is equipped with a dressing room and a double bathroom his and hers.

“We can offer the interior design from our team but the owner can bring an external designer,” said Tià Simó. “It will take three years for us to build this new superyacht, so if we start this summer the boat will be launched in 2025.”

Reliable partners

The BYD 50 project is created together with Atollvic Shipyard. Located in the estuary of Vigo in the North West of Spain, the shipyard is dedicated to build, refit and repair luxury yachts in steel or aluminium up to 75 meters in length. It is also part of Vicalsa Group, the company with more than 50 years of first-class shipbuilding experience. The holding provides all the technical and logistic support needed to successfully design, build & refit the most complex yachts. Atollvic Shipyard is already an established name in the superyacht refit sector with notable projects including that of 67.5m ICON last year.

BYD 50 - technical specs

GT: 499 GT

Displacement fully loaded: 450 t

LOA: 49.90m

Beam: 9.1m

Draft: 2.25m

Material: Aluminium and Composite

Diesel Capacity: 60,000 l

Water Capacity: 9,000 l

Max Speed: 14.5 kn

Cruising Speed: 12.5 kn

Eco Speed: 9 kn

Max Range: 5500nm

Propulsion power: 2x600kW

Guests: 12