Boaters in southeast Asia are falling for the quietness and comfort of Greenline Yachts’ hybrid models
- Local representation through Derani Yachts
- Three boats sold in quick succession
- Boats range from 39-58ft
- Hybrid propulsion proving popular
- Hardtops, flybridges and long overhangs appeal
Growing demand for more sustainable boats across southeast Asia is playing to the strengths of Greenline Yachts. As a leader in Responsible Yachting, Greenline Yachts is well placed to respond to this trend through its regional dealer Derani Yachts. The motivated team at Derani have already sold three Greenline yachts in the short time they have been representing the brand.
Greenline’s yachts are designed to be highly efficient to operate, thanks to their state-of-the-art hybrid power train, offered as an option in all models. Working with the yachts’ large solar surface area and lithium battery bank, the 6G H-Drive provides silent power at anchor and the ability to navigate for several hours under pure electric power.
“Green energy is very much a hot topic in Singapore - perhaps less so in other parts of Asia, but it’s growing,” says Derani Yachts’ Managing Director Håkan Lange. “For us as a Greenline dealer, it’s an educational journey whereby we highlight the added value with a hybrid propulsion system in relation to the type of boating an individual is doing or planning.
“While the green element is important to some, it is an exploratory option for those that want to slide in and out of marinas in total silence and emissions free. It is also about island-hopping in the same pleasant electric drive mode. For Singapore, hybrid propulsion is very interesting as most boaters congregate in the same location at weekends, and that’s just an hour away.”
The level of awareness about Responsible Yachting may vary across the region, but the clear benefits of hybrid operation seem to have universal appeal. Accordingly, Derani has sold boats in Singapore and Thailand with further strong leads in Malaysia and Indonesia. The boats sold represent the core lines of the brand, including the Greenline 40, 45 Fly and 48 Fly.
Beyond their efficiency and quietness, it is clear that the carefully considered design of the yachts appeals strongly to Asian customers. Based in Phuket, Derani knows the market well and sees that the flybridge option with its hardtop suits local conditions and cruising habits. Overhangs protecting the large cockpit aft and the windows of the superstructure help keep the boat cooler in the relentless sun. With light hull colours and big social areas, Greenline yachts really appeal.
“We know from hundreds of our customers around the world that Greenline Yachts represents something different to the other brands out there,” said Greenline’s Chief Experience Officer Alessandro Lorenzon. “We don’t go for constant aesthetic tweaks or quick wins – our boats are designed and built to give many years of cruising enjoyment. With the option for hardtop flybridges, super efficient air-conditioning and shady exterior spaces, it is only logical that Asian boaters are taking interest.”
With the flagship Greenline 58 also available in a flybridge model, and news of a compact new Greenline 42 model due to launch soon, Greenline is anticipating more sales in southeast Asia. “Greenline has not been active in this market for long, but we see tremendous potential for growth,” said Greenline CEO Vladimir Zinchenko.
“It seems that customers in the region appreciate the strengths of our brand, and our Responsible Yachting message is also gaining traction. We are very grateful to Håkan and his team at Derani Yachts who are doing such a great job of building awareness in southeast Asia.”
ABOUT GREENLINE YACHTS’ RESPONSIBLE YACHTING
Greenline Yachts has developed a distinctive philosophy of responsible yachting. This is not simply a matter of hybrid propulsion and solar panels – the whole design ethos of Greenline Yachts is built around efficiency in the water. It starts with the “superdisplacement” hulls of each model, which have been rigorously developed and tested to provide the smoothest ride, stability and efficiency at both lower and higher speeds.
Responsible Yachting extends to the construction process as well. The high-tech foam sandwich used to strengthen the hull comes from recycled PET plastic. Lay-up is through vacuum infusion, ensuring very precise material use. Currently using exclusively vinyl-ester resin allowing a 5-year warranty against osmosis. Furthermore the yard’s technicians are experimenting with natural fibres and green resins in the lay-up of the yachts themselves.
The shipyard is also reducing waste and power usage on the production lines. Any offcuts of wood from the interior fit-out are collected and pressed into heating pellets, while leftover foam is reused by a neighbouring company to produce home insulation. Production of single-use marketing materials has been almost eliminated and even then, it is clearly focused on recycled or sustainable materials.
Greenline Yachts is also working on an annual Greenline Yachts award to recognise those owners who have made the biggest strides towards responsible yachting each year. For example, the awards will celebrate the owner whose yacht has generated the greatest amount of solar power over that year, as well as the highest number of electric engine hours. This data can be tracked by the client via the Greenline app if the owners agree.
It is all part of the Greenline Yachts philosophy of empowering owners to put sustainability at the core of their yachting experience. That is why Greenline Yachts makes sure that every new yacht it delivers is equipped with biodegradable green yacht wash that does no harm to the ocean, and that all its owner’s manuals are in digital form, not printed.