In the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, J&J was approached by an important charter company/boatbuilder from the Venice lagoon area, an especially environmentally sensitive region not only when it comes to CO2 and other thermal-engine related emissions, but also wake and noise production. 

The ideal owner/charter boat for Venice is less than 10 m long and not proposed by more than 40 HP (and so qualifying for the no-registration no-permit category), with maximum convenience but minimal emissions footprint—ideally with zero-emissions, no-wake, no-noise and no-vibration sailing. Such a project would also be perfectly suited for the 2030 Eu goals set to reduce the carbon emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels. 

Our design included propulsion technology based on Torqeedo 10kW electric outboard motors and 30 kWh Lithium batteries capacity, with an 11,5 kW diesel range extender/limp-home engine. The design was optimized to a low-drag catamaran hull with an innovative deck and interior/accommodation layout.  Two identical high-volume cabins with access to the cockpit, flying bridge and bow terrace, gave a total of 75 m2 of real estate. Air conditioning throughout, large refrigerator volume, and comfortable and safe movement on the boat, to the sea or shore made the boat acceptable for all generations, even the most spoiled ones.

 The GreenCat would be able to sail with a zero-emission range of 27 nautical miles, and up to 240 nautical miles with the range extender. Compared to current diesel-based boats, the total reduction of emissions for a typical weekly charter or family vacation cruising program varies between 66 and 100%, depending on the over-night shore pick-up availability. This would lead to a saving of 1.3 to 2 tons of CO2 per boat per year, let alone the other noxious emissions of a diesel engine. 

 The GreenCat design uses currently available and proven technologies. She has yet to be built but shows the potential for huge environment protections and convenience.