The continued partnership between Royal Huisman and MAN ES
When innovative pioneers join forces, remarkable new standards can be achieved. Royal Huisman, a Dutch shipyard renowned for its high-performance sailing yachts, cruising yachts, and luxury superyachts, continues to push the boundaries of technology and craftsmanship. With over 140 years of experience, Royal Huisman seamlessly blends cutting-edge innovation with traditional values. Their latest triumph? The commissioning of Project 406, the world’s largest true sportfish yacht. This 52-meter marvel sets new standards in luxury and sport fishing, a feat made possible through collaboration with the right partners and the integration of the most powerful marine high-speed engine on the market, the MAN 20V175D. We talked to Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman and Florian Keiler, Head of High-Speed Sales MAN Energy Solutions, about the joint project.
Mr. Timmerman, Project 406 "Special One" has recently been commissioned. Can you share some of the key milestones during this journey?
One of the key milestones was the start of engineering, which set the stage for the entire project. The start of the aluminum construction marked the official beginning of the build, where we also successfully integrated the powerful MAN engines. These are essential for the yacht's performance. A major highlight was the sea trial, where the yacht easily reached (and comfortably exceeded) the required speed of 30 knots. The most recent milestone was the Monaco Yacht Show 2024: Special One was proudly presented by Royal Huisman and drawing a lot of attention.
The MAN 20V175D high-speed engines were a significant addition to this project. How did these engines enhance the performance and capabilities of Project 406?
The MAN engines are the most powerful marine high-speed engines available and provide exceptional performance and efficiency. Their compact design allowed us to optimize the space for all components in the engine room, while the high fuel-efficiency and long endurance of the engines reduces operating costs. These engines ensured that Project 406 could achieve the desired speed and performance levels.
How did the partnership with MAN Energy Solutions evolve throughout the project? Were there any notable collaborations or synergies that stood out?
Our partnership with MAN Energy Solutions was marked by a close collaboration and mutual support. Their engineering team provided us with invaluable assistance, particularly in optimizing the propulsion system and integrating the engines into the yacht’s design. This synergy allowed us to overcome several technical challenges and achieve a seamless integration, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of Project 406 Special One.
Special One is a game-changer in the luxury yacht market.
Now that Project 406 Special One is complete, what are your thoughts on its impact on the luxury yacht market? Do you see it setting new benchmarks in the industry?
You might know Royal Huisman for its reputation built upon hundreds high quality sailing yachts. Being able to handle the complexities of lightweight construction while assuring the strength needed to cross oceans is taking our shipyard on a new tack – bespoke motoryachts by Royal Huisman. The challenges of motoryacht Project 406 were well outside the comfort zone of many other yards. Special One is a game-changer in the luxury yacht market. We believe it will inspire future projects and push the boundaries of innovation and luxury within yacht building.
Looking ahead, what are the future plans for Royal Huisman? Are there any upcoming projects or innovations that you are particularly excited about?
Over the years, the shipyard team developed many smart solutions, several of which became industry-trendsetters. Research and development re-shaped industry practices and has always been the backbone of the Royal Huisman’s success. Our current projects involve further advancements in sustainable yacht building. Please stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments from Royal Huisman!
Mr. Keiler, the MAN 20V175D high-speed engines played a crucial role in Project 406. Can you explain how these engines contribute to the overall performance and efficiency of the yacht?
The MAN 20V175D engines, each delivering 4,400 kW or 6,000 horsepower, are the most powerful, compact, high-speed engines available on the marine market. These engines represent the pinnacle of the development of the MAN 175D brand, combining exceptional performance with the lowest fuel-oil consumption with commensurately reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, even in tropical ambient conditions, these engines can produce their rated power without any de-rating, ensuring consistent and reliable performance.
What were some of the technical challenges you faced while integrating the MAN 175D engines into Project 406, and how were they addressed?
Apart from their low weight, the engines’ dimensions also play a crucial role in such light-displacement, high-speed superyachts. As a result, the engine intake-air and exhaust-gas ducts were carefully designed to achieve an extremely low engine-room height.
The MAN 20V175D engines are the most powerful, compact, high-speed engines available on the marine market.
How did the collaboration with Royal Huisman evolve during the course of this project? Were there any specific moments or achievements that stood out to you?
Royal Huisman’s reputation as renowned shipyard of unique superyachts preceded it and MAN Energy Solutions was of course deeply involved in supporting the shipyard with engineering support, for example as with the gearbox arrangement and propulsion control interface.
In your view, what makes the MAN 175D engines particularly suited for luxury yachts like Project 406?
The MAN 175D is simply a modern high-speed engine whose outstanding performance makes it suitable for a broad range of marine applications. These include high-speed patrol boats and planing yachts, as well as complex GenSet arrangements on megayachts and a whole array of special ships. With the engine still only at the beginning of its life cycle, we expect it to enjoy a long fruitful market life as we continue to develop it and back it up with comprehensive after-sales support over the next many decades.
Looking forward, what are some of the future innovations or developments we can expect from MAN Energy Solutions in the high-speed engine sector?
MAN Energy Solutions fully supports the decarbonization of the marine industry. Therefore, one key element in the future development of the MAN 175D is its adaption to operation on future, sustainable fuels such as bio-fuels and green methanol. From 2026 onwards, the MAN 175D will be available as a dual-fuel methanol unit.
MAN Energy Solutions is also currently optimizing the MAN 175D’s structure-borne noise and sound emissions, which is where we are experiencing the highest technological demands from naval customers. This development will contribute to the engine meeting the increasing demand for low vibration and noise emissions aboard megayachts.
As such, we are confident about the future and feel the MAN 175D is well prepared for superyacht and general, marine applications.
MAN Energy Solutions is now Everllence.
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