Platinum Yacht and Marine Vessels Design · 2024
Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
- A' Design Award 2024 Platinum Winner in Yacht and Marine Vessels Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: BAZ Yacht Design
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,148,169
- Verification code 8B90A2D891 · Verify this award
About Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
Kai means ocean in Hawaiian language. She provides privacy on enclosed owner deck with 180 degree panoramic master suite with an office lounge opens up onto 150m2 private deck. This area also provides an open-air cinema and golf practice amenities. Her achromatic tones give her an elegance that is enhanced by submarine anchoring system and hideaway mooring platforms. 4 luminous VIP guest cabins are located on main deck and underwater observatory lounge on lower deck. She boasts 125m2 extending beach club at aft with saltwater pool that also doubles as a lifting platform for her 13m tender.
Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht by BAZ Yacht Design represents a compelling synthesis of contemporary naval architecture, sustainable engineering philosophy, and experiential luxury that positions this vessel within the evolving discourse of responsible maritime design. The work demonstrates exceptional compositional intelligence in its layered superstructure arrangement, where each deck level contributes to an overall visual narrative of ascending refinement while maintaining functional coherence. Particularly noteworthy is the innovative stern configuration, which transforms the traditional transom into an expansive lifestyle platform, suggesting the designers' understanding of how contemporary maritime enthusiasts seek to engage with oceanic environments not merely as passengers but as active participants in a holistic water-based experience. The chromatic strategy employs a sophisticated palette of neutral greys with subtle blue undertones, allowing the vessel to exist in visual dialogue with its aquatic surroundings while the warm teak surfaces and cream-toned furnishings introduce human-scaled warmth into the otherwise technological aesthetic. The hybrid designation speaks to broader conversations within yacht design regarding environmental stewardship, suggesting that luxury and ecological responsibility need not exist in opposition. The vessel's proportions reflect classical principles of naval harmony while incorporating distinctly contemporary formal vocabulary, from the raked windscreen angles to the precisely resolved geometric transitions between structural elements. One might observe how the design balances the competing demands of visual drama and practical functionality, achieving a resolution that serves both aesthetic contemplation and lived experience. The inclusion of the infinity pool and beach club amenities signals an understanding of the yacht as mobile architecture, a floating residence that extends domestic comforts into maritime contexts. Viewers are invited to consider how this vessel embodies evolving relationships between technological innovation, environmental consciousness, and the enduring human desire for beauty and comfort upon the sea.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Privacy: With an office lounge, open air cinema, sundeck and golf practice, full enclosed owner deck is totally seperated from the crew and the other guests.
Comfort: With foldable bulwarks, the aft deck turns into 125m2 marine paradise beach club within 4.8x2.4m seawater pool.
Tranquility: Underwater observatory lounge with massage room for serene times,
Smart: Descending deck in water can carry 13m tender in long cruises.
Eco: prioritizing environmental sustainability with electric engines and promises silent cruise and docking. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Loa: 49.5 m
Bmax: 9.25 m
T: 2.27 m
Gross Tonnage: 499
Class: Rina or Bv, Unrestricted Navigation
Number of Pax: 10
Number of Crew: 9
Hull & Superstructre: Aluminium
Wheelhouse: Grp
Fuel Tanks: 45.000 litres
Water Tanks: 12.000 litres
Engines: Man Smart Hybrid Diesel-Electric 2x900kW
Generators: 2x125kW & 1x350kW
Battery Pack: 673kWh
Stabilizers: Quantum
Cruising Speed: 13.5 knots
Zero Emission Speed: 5.5 knots - Tags
- motoryacht, superyacht, project kai, baz yacht design, eco friendly, zero emission, yacht design,
- Production Technology
- Soft and elegant lines were key for the design. Wanted to make a pure sophisticated exterior which leads us to use similar color and tonnes of hull portholes and fashion plate glass. Therefore plain surface with 2 tones of same color were used. There are even no open hawseholes at bow area in order to keep the unity and harmony.
- Design Challenge
- Two main challanges in the creative and research period for Project Kai were the weight of the desired battery pack and the high temperature of the battery pack in electric mode.
We have planned to place the battery pack room between the amidship and the engine room, therefore the weight of the battery pack would not effect the main stability. About the possible high temperature, closed circuit water cooling system from seawater will be applied between all bulkeads and battery packs as well as between every individual battery one by one. - Project Duration
- The project started in Hamburg, Germany in November 2023 when we were in the process of establishing our Hamburg Branch Office and have been developed in Antalya and Marmaris, Turkey.
- Operation Flow
- With the new engine system, the yacht can decide different navigation options such as:
Zero-Emission Mode: No noise and vibration, zero emission
Diesel-Electric Mode: Low noise, vibration and emission
Crossover Mode: Very economical operation, Long range, Low Vibrations, Extended operating time before
service
Boost Mode: Combination of hybrid and zero-emission. %20 more power when compared to conventional system. - Research
- The main research for the project was the eco-friendly navigation systems research. Instead of using generator activated electric azipods, we wanted to use the brand new Man Smart Hybrid engines that can allow the navigation in electric, diesel or both.
- Inspiration
- The very first idea was to make an eco-friendly gentelman's yacht that can dock most of the marinas and ports without restrictions in size. Owner privacy was also key which leads us to make a full enclosed deck with no crew transpassing, even in docking manoeuver. Other idea was to carry the tender on the deck in long journeys instead of towing them on water. Therefore we have decided to go with a 3deck yacht design with a descending aft deck that can lift and carry the tender.
Colors of Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
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G0E23 ShopDesign Interview about Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
From the outset, our vision for the KAI was to create an eco-friendly gentleman’s yacht that could seamlessly dock at most marinas and ports without size restrictions ensuring %100 owner's privacy.
KAI offers unparalleled privacy with a fully enclosed owner’s deck that includes an office lounge, open-air cinema, sundeck, and golf practice area, all completely separate from the crew and other guests. For comfort, the aft deck transforms into a 125m² marine paradise beach club with a 4.8x2.4m seawater pool, thanks to foldable bulwarks. For tranquility, there’s an underwater observatory lounge with a massage room for serene moments. The yacht is also highly functional, featuring a descending deck that can carry a 13m tender for long cruises. Lastly, KAI prioritizes eco-friendliness with electric engines, ensuring a silent cruise and docking experience.
We believe that KAI has a unique soul, and we're excited to expand the KAI family. We've already begun developing a 39.5m KAI catamaran and a 13m KAI tender. Our next step is to find the right owner for these new designs and start production as soon as possible to bring these innovations to life.
Designing the Platinum Award-winning Project KAI took approximately 5-6 months. The project began in Hamburg, Germany, in November 2023, during the establishment of our Hamburg Branch Office, and was further developed in Antalya and Marmaris, Turkey.
We have designed this particular concept out of pure inspiration. It was a creative pursuit driven by our passion for innovative yacht design and our desire to push the boundaries of what's possible. This allowed us the freedom to explore new ideas and bring our vision to life without the constraints of a commission.
Project KAI has not been produced yet; however, we are keen to find the right owner to bring her to life. We are open to collaborating with potential buyers or partners to ensure that this innovative design is realized to its fullest potential.
We designed Project KAI to push the boundaries of yacht design, combining sleek lines, eco-friendly features, and the timeless elegance of a gentleman's yacht. Our goal was to create a vessel that offers an unparalleled experience on the water, blending cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal to meet and exceed the expectations of discerning yacht enthusiasts.
Special thanks to our incredible team, as every step of the design process was meticulously handled in-house at BAZ Yacht Design.
The target for this timeless, award-winning design is a gentleman who values innovative technology, privacy, and a deep connection with nature.
Soft, elegant lines were crucial to our design approach. We aimed for a purely sophisticated exterior, which led us to incorporate a harmonious palette with subtle variations in color and a use of sleek hull portholes and fashion plate glass. The design features a seamless, two-tone surface to maintain unity and harmony, with no visible hawseholes at the bow to preserve its refined aesthetic.
Named after the Hawaiian word for "ocean," this design embodies the essence of the sea with its fluid lines and serene elegance.
For Project KAI, we use a range of essential tools to bring our yacht concepts to life. We start with an iPad for sketching initial ideas, which allows for flexible brainstorming. For detailed 3D modeling, we rely on Rhinoceros 3D, and we enhance our visual presentations with Vray and Corona for realistic renderings. Our inspiration is further enriched by yacht design magazines and books, which keep us updated on trends and techniques, fueling our creative process.
The most unique aspect of our design is its entirely distinctive approach, combining eco-silent cruising with exceptional privacy and luxury.
As shared above, as every step of the design process was meticulously handled in-house at BAZ Yacht Design.
Technology plays an utmost role in this design. It features a large battery bank and a smart-hybrid system, enabling KAI to cruise with eco-friendly, silent navigation. This integration ensures both sustainability and a refined, tranquil experience on the water
The primary focus of our research for the project was on eco-friendly navigation systems. Rather than using generator-powered electric azipods, we opted for the new MAN Smart Hybrid engines. These innovative engines offer the flexibility to navigate using electric power, diesel, or a combination of both.
Two main challenges during the creative and research phase for Project KAI were managing the weight of the battery pack and addressing its high temperature in electric mode. To maintain stability, we planned to position the battery pack room between the amidships and the engine room. For temperature control, we will implement a closed-circuit liquid cooling system using seawater, ensuring effective cooling both between bulkheads and individual batteries.
We had complete confidence in our design and wanted to enhance its international recognition. Submitting it to an international design competition was the ideal way to showcase its excellence and gain broader acclaim.
During the design of this project, we gained valuable insights into integrating advanced eco-friendly technologies and enhancing overall efficiency.
We also would like to mention that, following the Platinum Award, we are eager to make KAI a reality and see her on the water for her esteemed owner. This achievement has further fueled our enthusiasm to bring this exceptional design to life and showcase its unique qualities.
Grand Interview about Project Kai Smart Hybrid Motoryacht
Project KAI's smart hybrid system is designed to provide the transition between different propulsion modes, allowing the yacht to optimize energy efficiency and environmental impact. With a combination of diesel-electric propulsion and a 673kWh battery pack, the yacht can operate in zero-emission mode at 5.5 knots, enabling silent cruising in protected marine areas. This innovation transforms traditional yachting by reducing fuel consumption, minimizing noise pollution, and offering a more serene experience for owners and guests. The ability to switch between hybrid and full-electric modes ensures adaptability for various cruising conditions, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.
The inspiration behind the enclosed owner deck was to offer a high degree of privacy and exclusivity, a key consideration for modern yacht owners. By creating a dedicated owner’s private deck, we ensured that no crew members or guests need to pass through this space, allowing for complete journey including the mooring manoeuvering. The 180-degree panoramic master suite not only offers breathtaking views but also fosters a deeper connection with the nature and the sea, reinforcing the essence of luxury yachting. The suite is complemented by a private lounge and office, a spacious deck, and unique lifestyle amenities, making it a personal sanctuary within the yacht.
The idea for the underwater observatory lounge stemmed from our desire to offer a truly immersive experience with the ocean. Unlike traditional viewing spaces, this lounge allows guests to observe marine life in its natural habitat without disruption. Designed as a tranquil escape, it features large glass panels engineered for optimal visibility and structural integrity. Integrating this feature seamlessly into the yacht’s hull was a challenge, requiring careful coordination between design and engineering to maintain stability and hydrodynamic performance. This space embodies Project KAI’s philosophy of blending luxury with an authentic connection to nature.
Accommodating a large battery pack required strategic weight distribution to maintain optimal stability and performance. Our engineering team worked extensively on the yacht’s hull design to ensure proper balance, preventing any negative impact on seakeeping abilities. To address temperature management, we integrated an advanced liquid cooling system that regulates battery temperatures and maximizes efficiency. This system not only prolongs battery life but also enhances safety. The integration of thermal insulation materials and a dedicated ventilation system further ensures optimal performance in varying climate conditions.
The beach club concept evolved from a desire to maximize onboard leisure space while maintaining a streamlined exterior profile. Initially conceived as a simple lounging area, it developed into a multifunctional space with foldable bulwarks, allowing for smooth expansion. The centerpiece, a 4.8x2.4m seawater pool, was designed to function as both a swimming area and a lifting platform for a 13m tender. This adaptability enhances onboard usability, making the space equally suited for relaxation, water sports, and tender operations, demonstrating our approach to functional luxury.
The decision to use achromatic tones was driven by a desire to create a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic. By harmonizing the hull, portholes, and superstructure in subtle variations of the same color, we achieved a smooth and sculptural appearance. The hideaway mooring platforms, on the other hand, were a technical innovation aimed at preserving the yacht’s clean lines. By concealing these functional elements, we eliminated visual clutter while improving docking efficiency, ensuring that both form and function were perfectly balanced.
This capability represents our commitment to shaping the future of luxury yachting through sustainability. By allowing silent, zero-emission cruising in environmentally sensitive areas, Project KAI sets a precedent for future yacht designs. We believe that eco-conscious yachting should not come at the expense of comfort or performance, and this innovation proves that sustainability and luxury can coexist. Looking ahead, we aim to push these boundaries even further, integrating next-generation energy solutions into future designs.
Our approach to yacht design goes beyond aesthetics and performance; it’s about crafting a personalized experience for the owner. The inclusion of golf practice amenities and an open-air cinema was inspired by the owner’s desire for leisure and entertainment within their private space. The golf feature allows for on-water practice with biodegradxable balls, while the open-air cinema transforms the deck into an exclusive outdoor entertainment venue. These elements reflect our focus on designing spaces that enhance the onboard lifestyle, catering to individual passions and preferences.
One of the key challenges in yacht operations is managing tenders during long voyages. Instead of towing a tender in the water, which increases drag and fuel consumption, we designed a descending aft deck that functions as a lifting platform. This system allows the yacht to securely transport a 13m tender without compromising deck space. The KAI Limousine Tender, designed with the same soul and design philosophy as Project KAI, can also be carried on this lifting platform, ensuring both practicality and aesthetic harmony. This feature enhances the yacht’s autonomy and operational flexibility, particularly for extended cruising.
Winning the Platinum A’ Design Award proves our belief that innovation and sustainability can drive the future of yachting. Project KAI serves as a benchmark for integrating smart hybrid propulsion, multifunctional spaces, and advanced energy solutions in superyachts. We hope this project inspires the industry to embrace forward-thinking design principles, encouraging shipyards and owners to invest in more sustainable, high-performance vessels. Looking ahead, we aim to further explore zero-emission technologies and intelligent design solutions that redefine what’s possible in yacht design.