Fuel-guzzling yacht industry takes the plunge into hybrid technology

Miami

EVEN the diesel-guzzling yacht industry is exploring hybrid engine technology. Luxury boat makers have trailed behind automakers in the quest for new ways to power engines, but Thomas Conboy, North America sales agent for Dutch yacht company Heesen, said his industry is paying attention to the growing demand for environmentally friendly technology.

"This is a topic that's hot in the world today," he said on Wednesday at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where one of Heesen's new hybrids, Home, is on display. "So if you're not doing it, or at least looking at it, you're probably not paying attention to what society wants." The 50-metre yacht costs about US$38 million. A new hybrid mode allows it to travel at nine knots in virtual silence for about 14,484 km …