A high tech futuristic full electric catamaran whose shape reminds a piano. Innovative technologies and a team of experts for a state-of-the-art concept. A nautical challenge that expresses the vision of future mobility according to Italian design company ICONA.

ICONA DESIGN GROUP enters the yacht design sector with a futuristic boat concept based on one full electric powertrain. The new catamaran designed by ICONA is called “Fibonacci” and promises a completely new experience on the water. The ICONA Nucleus concept vehicle showed a new approach to road mobility and the Fibonacci translates the Nucleus philosophy into water mobility.

Statement by Dr. Teresio Gaudio, ICONA’s President and CEO

Teresio Gigi Gaudio, ICONA Chairman and CEO, says: “ICONA has gained a reputation as a visionary in the area of new mobility, from autonomous vehicles to delivery robots. Now that “mobility on the ground” has become a reference for the market, it is time to explore new “mobility on water”, by launching a new field of activity for the ICONA group and celebrating our first decade in 2020.”

Statement by Samuel Chuffart, VP and Global Design Director of ICONA

“After designing the multiple award-winning Nucleus autonomous driving vehicle, we wanted to apply once again a futuristic vision of transport but this time on water. This is an evolution which remains a silent and elegant speed form - sustainable, non-aggressive and inviting, for both pilot and occupants.

Tomorrow’s boating experience will no longer be for a few aficionados: with the technological evolution and sustainability now offered, boats should be designed differently to embrace a wider spectrum of people and use.”  

ICONA has chosen to demonstrate these new technologies through a disruptive design and a project developed with partners Hydrotec, Terra Modena Mechatronic, ASG Power and StudioRPR.

Fibonacci: a new approach to space exploitation

The ‘Fibonacci’ is the result of a sculptural design approach combined with unique storytelling.

Division of space in boat design usually centers around finding creative solutions to practical problems. The ICONA design team’s approach shifted the paradigm, instead finding practical solutions within the spaces created by an asymmetric architecture together with a flow through inside-outside usage of the space.

The use of asymmetry gives a sense of movement to the yacht even when it is stationary.  It certainly looks very “haute couture” as a result.

The philosophy of the ‘Fibonacci’ is that of a symphony at sea, its design reflecting the elegant metaphor of a grand piano.  Inspired by Fibonacci's discovery of the numbers of nature, the ‘Fibonacci’ combines a sculptural movement with a logical division of space between the main deck and hulls. The sweeping parabolic wooden deck creates a pass-through offering ocean views from front to back and displaying a sense of occasion created by the ornamental stairs.

This yacht is designed to immerse travelers in a musical setting while sailing on the silent ocean. It offers a luxurious cocktail lounge perfect for hosting guests and parties. Such a simple and practical architecture not only fits the bill for a cruising vacation but would also offer the perfect scenery to gather music afficionados together for a chamber music concert on the sea...

Technology

Both boats take advantage of electric powered cruising with a Hydrogen range extender (like the ICONA Nucleus concept vehicle). The drive by wire technology together with mouse pad control provides ease of maneuverability, ensuring this is no longer the domain of the boat specialist.  360-degree camera vision and sensors are also included, ensuring no errors in docking. Modern GPS and satellite vision complete the offer for a boat technology that invites a new type of adventurer.

The mission profile of this solution is a day or weekend cruise: a 24 hours cycle, 12 hours at sea (50 kw propulsion - 10 kw hotel) and 12 hours on anchor (10 kw hotel).

With a length overall of 16,60 meters a beam o.a. of 8,20 and a weight of 32 tons, the boat can reach a top speed of 15 knots.

Two battery packs of 340 kWh provide energy to two high performance electric motors of 200kW peak power. The same battery packs will provide as well an all-comfort but efficient hotel set.

The particular lithium batteries provided by ASG Power have a life of 14,000 cycles and can be recharged from 0 to 100% in just 20’ thanks to their high capacity and a specific high power recharging system (Charging Rate 3C). This powerplant, which includes high efficient propellers and rudders, guarantees a range of 150 miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.

The Electronic Vehicle Control UNIT (VCU), designed by Terra Modena acts as a controller of all the propulsion system (Motor, Inverter, batteries and torque/speed demand) and supply all the necessary data needed for telemetry, for navigating and to grant all the necessary safety. The VCU will grant as well the integration with the hydrogen power range extender (fuel cells). A CANbus allows easy interconnection of controllers and all devices such as displays and power and management controls.

Recharging of the batteries for hotel applications will also be possible through solar panels, wind and wave generators.

A plug-in hydrogen based range extender is of course possible on this structure. While reducing storage and cabin volumes, some space in the hulls can be dedicated to PEFC, Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell, liquid hydrogen storage tanks and electrolysers. However, ICONA and its partners are working on much simpler and efficient solutions to increase the energy availability longer autonomy. Terra Modena in particular is developing a system that should outperform the traditional hydrogen chain.