silent yachts gmbh

Silent Group

Welcome to our world of solar-electric yachts, electric tenders, electric speedboats, electric yacht charters and fully sustainable, solar powered island resorts!

Solar-pioneers Heike und Michael Köhler have travelled the oceans on conventional motorboats and sailboats for 40 years. Already during the early 2000s, they came to the conclusion that there had to be a better way to supply energy to the propulsion system and the onboard appliances of yachts. After years of dedicated research, this led to the birth of the Solarwave 46 in 2009 – their first prototype of a solar powered catamaran. 

Our Origins

The Solarwave 46 was the first ocean-going yacht which exclusively used solar energy, not only for actual propulsion, but also to provide energy to all household appliances on board. This included everything ranging from cooktops, stoves and the freezer to the air conditioning, washing-machine and water-maker.

In 2010, a rigorous four-year sea trial was initiated in which Michael & Heike crossed the entire continent of Europe by river, sailed the dangerous Black Sea, the stormy Aegean as well as the vast Mediterranean Sea. Throughout the journey, the Solarwave 46 not only accommodated them with convenient amenities such as on-board water production, cooling and heating, but also their eight guests with all the comfort they needed for a period of 120 weeks.

Furthermore, the 46 was able to power the engines every day in all kinds of weather: rain, cloudy sky, sun, snowfall, ice and even storms of Force 9. Crucially, during the four-year voyaging there were no maintenance or repair works required on the solar panels, the batteries or the electric drivetrain.

The generator, which had to be on board for safety reasons, was working for less than 50 hours during those 48 months – primarily to avoid it becoming corroded. By comparison, the electric motors operated for more than 2.000 hours for the same period of time with no maintenance needed.

After all those years of dedicated trials, it was clear beyond doubt that the solar electric drivetrain Michael & Heike had developed was the most effective, efficient and reliable choice for nautical propulsion and self-sufficient sailing, facilitating a fully independent on-board lifestyle.

In 2016 Silent Yachts was created. Since then the company has successfully developed several full production solar-electric yacht models. The 60, 80 and 120 Series form the cornerstones of the current Silent model range. In addition, Silent Tenders and Silent Speedboats were launched in 2022, further complementing the experience on board of our yachts. The tenders are designed to be mountable and chargeable onboard; while the speedboats provide incredible performance demonstrating that electric boating can be exhilarating as well.

Company Milestones

For five years Michael & Heike tested alternative power sources on their yachts. They measured the production and consumption of energy with a focus on self-sufficiency for propulsion and well as systems.

Solarwave 46 launch

After 5 years and 15.000 nm of sailing their test catamaran, they started with the design and construction of Solarwave 46: the first prototype of a fully self-sufficient and purely solar-powered ocean-going catamaran.

For 5 years the Köhlers crossed the entire European continent by river, sailed the Black Sea, the stormy Aegean, as well as the vast Mediterranean. A proof of concept that the reliable solar electric drivetrain was an ideal choice for a self-sufficient and emission free lifestyle on board.

Silent 64 launch

As first serial-production solar yacht in the world, the Silent 64 marked the dawn of a new electric era of sustainable yachting.

Silent 64 world record

In February, the 64 became the first solar serial-production bluewater catamaran to cross the Atlantic. From Cartagena, Spain, to Florida she effortlessly covered 5.500 nm. The crossing from Cap Verde to Barbados took only 16 days with an average speed of 6 knots.

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Silent 55 launch

As the second serial-production solar powered yacht, the Silent 55 made her world debut at the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Silent Resorts presentation

The sustainable zero carbon luxury holiday experience. Silent Resorts combines highly efficient non-impactful solar powered residences on some of the most beautiful islands with moorings for silent yachts allowing them serve as floating villas.

Silent 60 launch

The evolution of the Silent 64, optimized with much more powerful engines, greater capacity batteries and higher solar energy output. Honoured with the 2021 German Design Awards, 2021 Gustave Trouvé Award, 2021 Best of Boats Award and winner of the 2022 Multihull of the Year Award.

Office opening - Mallorca

Designed by Philippe Starck, Port Adriano in Mallorca is one of the finest luxury marinas in the world. Silent opened its new offices in the spring.

Silent 120 Explorer presentation

As the boldest expression of solar powered yachting yet, the Silent 120 Explorer brings our signature noiseless experience the superyacht level. Designed by none other than Marco Casali.

Silent Tender 400 launch

Further extending the signature electric experience, our innovative Silent Tender powered by a jet drive made its world debut at the annual Cannes Yachting Festival.

A new e-ra of yachting

Being the first series producer of solar electric yachts, we have always been dedicated towards leading the industry with the latest technology. In today´s world, technology is progressing constantly at a very high pace. A new e-ra is upon us, where small percentage gains in solar cell and battery technologies create ever improving performance. When these gains are combined with even more efficient systems, the result are future-proof yachts which rather than becoming outdated actually improve over time.

This is due the central ability that all Silent designs can be upgraded with ease when better architectures become available. Original used units can also be repurposed for domestic or commercial use. The integration of such circularities is of the key benefits our approach.

In addition to designing and making the world’s most efficient and effective solar boats, our brands longer term ambitions centre around the establishment of a Silent World and Community, where wider lifestyle infrastructure seamlessly integrates with the Silent yachting and living experience. The first important step in this agenda was the partnership with Silent Resorts in 2020: an initiative providing ultra-sustainable residences in carefully-designed, environmentally-sympathetic environments that complement the overarching Silent experience.

In widespread recognition of the company’s expertise and achievements, Silent has received many awards honouring the research, development and expertise invested into our innovative technologies.

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Headlining the news is the announcement that Austrian-owned Silent-Yachts has been restructured as Silent Group comprising several distinct divisions.

Silent-Yachts:  Offering fully electric, solar-powered catamarans from 60-120 feet for noiseless, zero-emission cruising. In addition, from now on a new sub-division will also build hybrid yachts that make use of both conventional propulsion and renewable solar energy. The first hybrid yacht is an 82-foot model to be built in partnership with VisionF Yachts.

Through the cooperation with VisionF, Silent-Yachts aims to support the Turkey based shipyard towards making their catamarans more sustainable. The extended hardtop flybridge of the so-called Silent VisionF 82 is fitted with a large solar array and a powerfull battery bank in order to provide sufficient energy to power all household and comfort appliances on board. As a result, guests will be able to enjoy the noiseless Silent experience without compromises when anchoring in a bay or docked in a marina. The alliance showcases the willingness of Silent-Yachts to assist other manufacturers to reduce their vessels dependency on fossil fuels by incorporating the proven solar technology of the Austrian pioneer. 

Silent-Tenders:  Offering a new range of electric Silent tenders, starting with a model of 4 metres in length. Further models will be announced during 2022. 

Silent-Management:  Offering the full spectrum of management services for Silent clients, from documentation, flag registration, certification and inspections to crew hiring, charter and yacht management, maintenance and servicing. 

Silent-Charter:  Offering Silent yachts for charter from the fleet base in Port Adriano, Mallorca and around the world.

Silent-Brokerage:  Offering brokerage services for pre-owned vessels for sale by Silent and its clients. 

Silent-Resorts:  Stunning zero-carbon, ultra-sustainable resorts with luxurious beachfront solar-powered residences. 

Silent-Shop:  A web-based outlet for electric water toys, smart electric gadgets as well as Silent merchandising products.

New production sites The Silent Group can draw on three production facilities around the world. Its shipyard on Italy’s Adriatic coast has five construction sheds with 22,000 m² of covered space and about the same area outside for building the Silent 60 series & and the Silent 80 series. 

The Swiss-owned and managed PMG Shipyard in Thailand builds the Silent 60 series. The yard has a 20,800-m² facility in Rayong with dedicated areas for each stage of the production process.

A new partnership with Coşkun Bayraktar in Turkey, founder of the Viaport Group has opened up more production opportunities. Bayraktar, who also owns VisionF Yachts in Istanbul, has invested considerable manpower in recent months to start up production of the Silent 60 series, Silent 80 series, SILENT 100 series as well as the new Silent VisionF 82. Boats of each series are already being built in Turkey. Including the Tuzla Viaport Marina, the copperation with VisionF Yachting provides access to more than 100,000 m² of production area.

Record sales in 2021 – the current order book 2021 was a record-breaking year for the brand with 21 yachts sold. There are 17 yachts currently in build at different stages of production, among them eight Silent 60 series, six Silent 80 series, two Silent VisionF 82 and the first Silent 120 (ex-Silent 100). 

Upcoming new launch The next unit to be launched will be a Silent 60 – Front Exit version. The solar electric catamaran will touch the water this month February 2022 and will head straight to the US where the owner is waiting. Another Silent 60 Front Exit will be launched by April and will be followed by more yachts later this year.

“I’m immensely proud of what Silent-Yacht has achieved over the years,” says Silent-Yachts founder and CEO Michael Köhler. “After beginning our research into solar yacht technologies in 2004, the company has evolved and expanded and last year’s sales show that we continue to grow. We are now a truly international Group with diverse interests requiring more extensive resources and production space. This enables us to collaborate with other shipyards such as VisionF to assist them in harnessing solar technology as a step towards a more sustainable future.”

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First Silent Yachts 100 Explorer yacht sold

Related articles.

Electric yacht builder Silent Yachts has sold the first unit of its new 31 metre flagship model, the Silent 100 Explorer.

Designed by Marco Casali , the first Silent 100 Explorer is due for delivery in 2023.

Speaking about the sale, Silent Yachts founder and chief executive Michael Köhler said: “This new sale coming after the sale of three of our 80-foot models in rapid succession and confirms the market’s interest in the superior comfort of catamarans and solar energy for propulsion needs, as well as all the household appliances on board.”

Revealed as the builder’s new flagship at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, the Silent 100 Explorer features a beam of 13.62 metres and a 440GT interior.

Spead across four decks, the yacht is fitted with a solar-electric drive train providing a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 14-16 knots.

Designed to have worldwide cruising capabilities, the yacht features solar panels fitted along the hardtop that slides out to reveal a sundeck that can double up as a touch and go helipad.

The crucial difference between the previous flagship, the Silent 80, is the amount of additional space on board, the builder said. For example, the Silent 100 Explorer’s master suite measuring 51 sqm in comparison to the 27 sqm suite on the Silent 80..

Elsewhere on the 100,  five ensuite cabins sit on the main deck in the starboard hull, with the full-beam master sitting forward. The aft section of the main deck is dedicated to a saloon and dining area while a hot tub sits on the open aft deck alongside a bar and breakfast table. The galley, crew quarters and hotel services are all housed in the port hull.

A 7.5m limo tender can be stored between the two hulls, while a crew tender and toys can be stored in the side-loading garage in the portside hull.

Speaking about the new model, Casali said: “The kind of available spaces, fully customizable from the clients, will allow unique internal and external spaces not even achievable on much bigger superyachts like owner's quarters or large saloons.”

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Silent-Yachts sells first unit of Silent 100 Explorer flagship

Wednesday, October 20th, 2021

Written by: Marine Industry News

After unveiling its new Silent 100 Explorer flagship at the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, Austrian-based Silent-Yachts has sold the first unit with a scheduled delivery in 2023.

“This new sale coming after the sale of three of our 80-foot models in rapid succession confirms the market’s interest in the superior comfort of catamarans and solar energy for propulsion needs, as well as all the household appliances on board,” says Silent-Yachts founder and CEO, Michael Köhler.

Like all Silent yachts, the four-deck Silent 100 Explorer has a solar-electric drive train and is designed to have worldwide cruising capabilities, which the company says in theory, gives unlimited range.

Renewable electric energy comes from the solar panels in the hard top which slides apart to reveal a sundeck that can also serve as a touch-and-go helipad. The solar cells provide up to 40kWp and solar electrical energy is stored in a battery bank with a capacity of up to 800 kWh. Twin 340kW electric motors provide a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 14-16 knots.

Depending on the specification, two or three diesel generators provide back-up auxiliary power.

Although only 31 metres in length, the company says the Silent 100 Explorer has outdoor and indoor living spaces that are equivalent to a monohull motor yacht of 40-50 metres.

“The Silent 100 Explorer is a great challenge proving that the solar revolution of Silent-Yachts to the superyacht level,” says designer, Marco Casali. “The kind of available spaces, fully customisable from the clients, will allow unique internal and external spaces not even achievable on much bigger superyachts like owner’s quarters or large saloons. The Silent 100 Explorer will bring the experience of cruising to a next level becoming a world reference for a responsible yachting always connected to the respect of the environment.”

The yacht boasts five en suite guest cabins on the main deck and in the starboard hull, in addition to a full-beam master stateroom with private office on the main deck forward.

The salon and dining area is located in the aft section on the main deck, while the open aft deck has a hot tub, a bar and breakfast table.

The wheelhouse is on the upper deck where there is also a sky lounge and bar with al fresco dining facilities on the open aft deck.

The fly deck has more sunbathing space, a wet bar, a second helm station, and the space under the sliding solar panels that can be used for helicopter operations or as an open-air gym.

A spiral staircase for the exclusive use of the guests links all the deck levels.

The galley and crew quarters are all housed in the portside hull, and the crew has a dedicated staircase to access all decks.

Between the two hulls is a 7.5-metre limo tender garage, and in the portside hull there is space for a smaller crew tender in a side-loading garage.

“The sheer amount of family-friendly space aboard the Silent 100 Explorer has to be experienced to be believed,” says Köhler. “It also means that clients are free to customise the arrangement according to personal preference. Do you want a gym or media room, a larger VIP suite or a country kitchen on main deck? No problem. The flexibility of the catamaran configuration means we can meet most requests.”

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Yachting - Austrian Silent Yachts goes bankrupt

January 29 2024

Written by Nicolas Venance - Yachting Art Magazine

The Austrian shipyard specializing in the construction of electric catamarans has just announced its bankruptcy. A receivership is out of the question.

Sad news from Klagenfurt, Austria, with the announcement of the bankruptcy of Silent Yachts, otherwise - and strangely - known as Asap Trading GmbH. 

The yard specialized in the construction of electric (hybrid) catamarans and owned 7 100% (!!) subsidiaries, some of which were dedicated to the production of a single model... ASAP Production GmbH, ASAP 62 EUR GmbH, Silent Yachts Explorer 100/1 GmbH, Silent Yachts 62 INT GmbH, Silent Yachts Explorer 120/2 GmbH, Silent Yachts 82 INT GmbH and Silent Italia S.r.l.. 

The company's liabilities would amount to 45.8 million euros, against assets of 5.1 million, with 36 employees affected by the bankruptcy, 13 in Austria and 23 abroad. 

Created in 2017, Silent Yachts had made a name for itself with its electric catamarans of cubic design - due to relatively rigid photovoltaic panels - and its communication boasting its leadership in the field, forgetting the reality of a market created by Poland's Sunreef Yachts with its Eco models.

According to Silent Yachts Asap's management, the shipyard was confronted with an unscrupulous Dutch-Turkish subcontractor, who left with 40 million euros in customer deposits, and whose initial upgrade had required major investments, bearing in mind that Silent Yachts had also taken over a shipyard in Italy (Fano) in 2022.

Decoding - Silent Yachts has always been something of a mystery on the yachting market, with a complex corporate structure, disproportionate communications, a real lack of transparency and a policy of subcontracting that proved fatal. In the meantime, customers who have paid deposits are left out in the cold, and will no doubt long regret having chosen a builder with such a fragile structure. This sad news reminds me of a very interesting discussion at the "Au Mal Assis" brasserie in Cannes last September, on the realities of this shipyard...

Yachting - le chantier autrichien Silent Yachts en faillite - ActuNautique.com

Le chantier autrichien spécialisé dans la construction de catamarans électriques vient d'annoncer sa mise en faillite. Un redressement judiciaire serait exclu. C'est une triste nouvelle qui nous...

https://www.actunautique.com/2024/01/yachting-le-chantier-autrichien-silent-yachts-en-faillite.html

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