Italian builder Palumbo Shipyards introduced a new series of “green” yachts with hybrid propulsion at an elegant cocktail party at the Hôtel de Paris during the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show. The Columbus Sport Hybrid line, which ranges from 65 to 213 feet (25 to 65 meters), will be constructed entirely of aluminum on a displacement hullform designed by Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec. At press time, the first 40-meter Sport Hybrid hull was nearing completion at Palumbo Shipyards’ superyacht division in Naples.

The brief for the Columbus Sport Hybrid series calls for reduced energy consumption and environmental pollution. To that end, the yachts will be powered by twin MTU diesels and a Siemens EcoProp hybrid electric propulsion system. The yard reports that conventional 3,800-horsepower MTUs will provide a maximum speed of 22 knots, while the 65-kW-per-axle electric hybrid propellers will allow virtually silent navigation at 7.5 knots with an estimated fuel consumption rate of only 30 liters per hour.

Palumbo Shipyards also announced the sale of a 55-meter superyacht to an experienced and passionate buyer via broker Jimmy Broddesson of Bluewater Yachting. Already in build in Naples, the yacht will accommodate 12 guests in six staterooms. Twin 12V 4000 M63 MTUs will power her to speeds of up to 16.5 knots.

For more information, contact [email protected] or visit columbusyacht.it