Feadship Reveals 115m HIVE With 5 MWh Battery Bank and Fuel Cells

Feadship has revealed HIVE, a 115-metre concept that the Dutch builder describes as its largest concept design to date. Developed by Studio De Voogt with Feadship naval architects and engineering specialists, the project combines an unconventional four-deck social core with a DC electrical architecture, fuel cells, a 5 MWh battery bank and Voith Schneider propulsion.

A four-deck social heart shapes the layout

HIVE begins with a central open space extending across four decks rather than a conventional sequence of enclosed saloons. On the main deck the area can operate as a saloon, stage or auditorium, while terraces, curved staircases, balconies and service spaces allow the same volume to be reconfigured around family life, performances or larger gatherings.

The concept was developed around a fictional family of four to test how changing lifestyles might influence future yacht architecture. Feadship says that approach mirrors the process used for fully custom projects, where the design team first examines how owners intend to live on board before translating those habits into spaces.

Fuel cells and 5 MWh of batteries support the power system

Feadship’s engineering study uses a DC electrical architecture with three 900 kW variable-speed permanent-magnet generators, fuel cells and a 5 MWh lithium-ion battery bank. The builder says the battery capacity is roughly five times that of Savannah’s pioneering installation while fitting within a comparable battery-room footprint.

For zero-emission operation, HIVE can be configured around seven 75 kW solid oxide fuel cells or nine 250 kW PEM fuel cells combined with a methanol reformer. The concept remains an engineering study rather than a yacht under construction, but Feadship stresses that the technologies used are already available or actively under development.

Voith Schneider propulsion replaces conventional rudders

HIVE uses Voith Schneider Propellers, which can generate thrust in any horizontal direction without conventional rudders. Feadship highlights the system’s manoeuvrability, suitability for dynamic positioning and low-noise characteristics, drawing on technology already established in ferries and specialised research vessels.

The published technical specification gives HIVE a 12-knot cruising speed and 16-knot maximum speed. Feadship calculates a range of 9,500 nautical miles at 12 knots on HVO, while the methanol configuration is listed at 5,000 nautical miles at the same cruising speed.

Glass, pools and observation spaces reshape the profile

The exterior adopts a long, low profile and replaces the conventional forward bridge arrangement with a virtual command centre supported by cameras and sensors. Retractable glass wing stations provide direct outside visibility for close manoeuvring, while the freed forward superstructure is allocated to owner accommodation and observation spaces.

Other features include a two-storey beach lounge, water-level dining, a glass-enclosed foredeck library, a secluded garden and a 20-metre owner’s-deck pool using Feadship’s ContraWave technology. Superyacht Guide is treating HIVE as a concept and technology study; no construction contract or delivery schedule has been announced.

Official sources: feadship.nl.