Deriving from the project to build a hybrid cruising catamaran which VPLP unveiled in 2015, this Komorebi 200 is designed to be an exploration ship for the scientific community. The principles are the same: broad spaces which make the most of natural light and ventilation, and which can accommodate up to twenty-four scientists, fifteen crew members and all the devices regularly used in marine research.

Once again the design adheres faithfully to VPLP’s guiding vision of using wind power to reduce fuel consumption. The firm has come up with a propulsion system comprising of two rotating masts carrying wingsails whose surface area can be reduced or increased depending on the strength of the wind (just like a conventional sail) and furled when the ship is alongside.

This hybrid set up also includes two electric motors which enable the Komorebi 200 to maintain an average speed of 15 knots.