Design for new flagship is high water mark for sustainability
ONE of the designs for a new national flagship included “recyclable materials” and reflected a “multicultural” Britain, a firm has revealed.
London-based Vitruvius Yachts has shared its previously confidential proposal for the design of the 125-metre vessel, citing sustainable power and diversity as key features of the plans.
The company had been shortlisted as a finalist in the design competition when the Government invited concepts for a new national flagship.
The concept was described as a “celebration of British society and technology in a vessel designed for the people but fit for a king”.
However, Rishi Sunak pulled the plug on the £250 million publicly funded project in November last year in a package of major spending cuts. It was planned that the flagship would launch “in the last quarter of 2024”, entering service in late 2025.
The design’s key features include sustainable power and propulsion. The highly efficient hull design minimises fuel consumption while maximising opportunities for emerging green technologies to create a zero-carbon vessel.
Additionally, the interior is based on recycled and recyclable materials and the firm showcases a flexible deck and interior design that can switch between exhibition showcase and floating embassy. Spearheaded by Philippe Briand, eco yacht designer and naval architect, the firm said the project draws on several cultural and societal cues, “from innovation and sustainability to accessibility and inclusion, to represent the very best of British in design, manufacturing, craftsmanship and diversity. Indeed, the essence of Britishness takes centre stage through a Union flag ribbon motif in the side and plan view elevations, while reflecting our multicultural society".
Mr Briand said: “To design a vessel that will become a benchmark in sustainability as well as demonstrating British excellence and heritage, while also being a symbol of inclusion and diversity, was an enormous challenge that kept me awake at night."