Introducing M/Y Sustain, A New Support Vessel That Integrates Sustainable Operation With Sustainable Purpose

SUSTAIN IS A REVOLUTIONARY, SUSTAINABLE 69-METER CATAMARAN SHADOW VESSEL BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHADOWCAT, AN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN YCTS, LTD AND INCAT CROWTHER.

SHADOWCAT, the industry-leading and award-winning developer of catamaran support yachts, has expanded its portfolio to include an extraordinary 69-meter catamaran shadow vessel. The new concept, SUSTAIN, seamlessly combines sustainability with efficiency. SUSTAIN sets a new standard for environmental responsibility within our industry, providing unparalleled capability as a support vessel and as a flexible platform which can fully support the luxury yacht market.

Designed with innovation, eco-consciousness, and citizen science at its core, SUSTAIN’S aluminum catamaran hull is designed with efficiency as its goal. This forward-looking vessel leverages state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, setting a new benchmark for support vessels in the luxury yacht industry.

Designed by SHADOWCAT partners, Incat Crowther and YCTS, Ltd., the 69m SUSTAIN offers a 15.5m beam and 3.25m draft, and will be built upon Incat Crowther’s award-winning aluminum hull design, enabling some of the highest speeds and superior operational safety of any support yacht available on the market.

SUSTAIN leads the way in sustainable marine propulsion, powered by IMO Tier III/EPA Tier IV Urea-free WABTEC EGR marine engines that can run on Renewable Diesel (HDRD/HVO) & Biodiesel (FAME). The vessel's main engines and fuel tanks are also designed for future conversion to Methanol when it becomes more readily available globally, further advancing sustainable practices in the industry and further future proofing the vessel.

SUSTAIN is equipped with a PTO/PTI gearbox, allowing the vessel to be run in a diesel-electric mode at slow speeds and enabling the house load to be carried by the main engines on longer passages allowing a cleaner departure from port and a reduction of generator operational hours on passage. 

In terms of operational efficiency, SUSTAIN incorporates specialized technology to evaluate and reduce HVAC loading while improving air circulation and air quality. Innovative heat-rejecting paint and window coatings from Hempel further enhance energy efficiency. SUSTAIN also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility with comprehensive waste management systems for black and gray water, food waste, and packaging from Fundamental Marine Developments. Additionally, with the use of waste heat recovery from the generators, the laundry drying load and fresh water heater energy requirements are greatly reduced. Solar array panels and turbines are powering the battery bank that supplies power to the electric toys and tenders, making that operation zero-footprint.

Research or Recreation, SUSTAIN Offers A Multi-Functional Approach

Spaces within SUSTAIN have been thoughtfully designed with a multifunctional approach, catering to not only the vessel's primary function but also the support of research, conservation, and humanitarian initiatives. The vessel boasts specialized facilities, including a wet lab and dry lab, equipped with advanced data-gathering systems for conducting crucial marine studies. Passive data gathering systems complement the research efforts, collecting vital information seamlessly. A dedicated video editing and production area allows for real-time documentation and communication of scientific findings and conservation efforts.

SUSTAIN also features a fully-equipped dive shop enabling researchers to explore and study marine environments safely and effectively. In addition, the vessel incorporates a well-equipped hospital, complete with a decompression chamber, to ensure the well-being of researchers, crew, and guests during expeditions.

Versatile spaces within the vessel are intelligently arranged to accommodate meetings and collaborations, serving as a hub for researchers to exchange ideas and findings. Comfortable accommodations for researchers and crew members provide ample space for rest and rejuvenation during extended missions.

The vessel's primary function as a superyacht support vessel optimizes the use of these spaces for additional staff, entourage, and guests traveling alongside the mother ship. The vessel's well-designed facilities and abundant space make it an ideal platform to accommodate extra personnel, ensuring comfort and convenience during their journey. This surplus space and supplemental function not only enhance the overall luxury experience for those onboard but also provide an opportunity to support research, conservation, and humanitarian initiatives even while the vessel serves as a superyacht support. SUSTAIN’S inherent flexibility in fulfilling multiple roles exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and demonstrates that the yacht industry can be an agent of positive change and responsible global citizenship.

SHADOWCAT will be available to discuss SUSTAIN and the company’s other innovative vessel designs during the Monaco Yacht Show, in Stand AL14 (located in QUAI ALBERT IER), from September 27 - September 30th, 2023.

About SHADOWCAT

SHADOWCAT is an innovative, award-winning support yacht series, created with unmatched expertise and cutting-edge technology. With three bespoke catamarans in the series launched to date, SHADOWCAT now boasts catamaran and monohull platforms, applying its state-of-the-art approach to design, engineering and construction. With exclusive naval architecture and design by renowned Incat Crowther, of Sydney, Australia, and multi-award winning vessel construction by respected Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armón, the brand continues to provide fully custom solutions to the support yacht market segment. The first vessel in the series, M/Y Hodor, set the industry aflame with its win of the inaugural “Support Vessel of the Year” at the International Superyacht Awards.

About Incat Crowther

Incat Crowther is a diversified marine design business with offices in Sydney, Australia, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA and Romsey, United Kingdom. The company has a 40-year history with over 600 vessels in service to its designs. The company has a diverse product portfolio, including monohull, catamaran and trimaran hullforms with composite, aluminium and steel construction for a range of sectors, including commercial, recreational, military and passenger. For more information contact info@incatcrowther.com 

About YCTS, Ltd. 

Developed in 2009 by a group of individuals with extensive yacht and commercial vessel experience, YCTS Ltd. is today a leading authority for professional technical consultation in the yacht industry. Led by Robert Smith, YCTS has been a vital resource for build development, construction and project management, and yacht technical support and management for prestigious vessels and fleets worldwide.