In the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, between sunny ports and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, two new hybrid passenger vessels are ready to enter service.

Measuring 18.89 meters long, 5.80 meters wide, with a draft of 1.41 meters and a capacity of 147 passengers, these approximately 30-ton vessels represent a new generation of tourist vessels, designed to offer a silent, sustainable, and environmentally friendly navigation experience.

Built by Acti and equipped with an innovative Transfluid hybrid propulsion system, the two vessels operate along the coasts of southern France, accompanying residents and visitors to discover coves, nature reserves, and historic ports. Their daily use demonstrates that hybrid technology is no longer an experiment, but a concrete and reliable solution for modern maritime tourism.

Advanced and Intelligent Hybridization

Transfluid has long been a benchmark in marine hybrid propulsion, thanks to its proven HM Hybrid Module series, used in dozens of applications worldwide.

But the system installed on these patrol boats represents a further step: a newly developed parallel hybrid, where the electric motor is connected to the hydrodynamic coupling via a belt.

This solution, as ingenious as it is effective, ensures smoother and more progressive power transmission, reducing vibrations and mechanical stress and significantly improving acoustic comfort. It is an approach that combines the reliability of traditional mechanics with the refinement of electric control, offering optimal performance in all sailing conditions.

Silence, Comfort, and Respect for the Environment

During tourist cruises along the Provençal coast, patrol boats can operate in fully electric mode, moving without emissions and virtually silently.

Passengers can thus enjoy the views of the coves and cliffs without the noise of the engine, while the crew appreciates smoother and more relaxed handling during port maneuvers and during stops.

When greater range or power is needed, the system automatically switches to combustion mode, with the electric motor acting as a booster to increase torque or, alternatively, as a generator to recharge the batteries.

The transition from one mode to the other is imperceptible, a sign of careful electronic integration and high-quality mechanical design.

The result is a propulsion system capable of combining efficiency, comfort, and versatility, perfectly aligned with the needs of modern passenger service, attentive to the environment and the quality of the onboard experience.

An alternative to the classic HM series

This new hybrid architecture, while sharing the construction philosophy of the HM series, introduces a different mechanical principle.

While “classic” HMs feature a compact module inserted between the engine and transmission, the system installed on these patrol boats uses a belt and a hydrodynamic coupling to transfer power.

The result is a more flexible solution, capable of easily adapting to limited spaces and different onboard configurations.

It is an ideal approach for passenger vessels, where comfort, continuity of service, and ease of maintenance are essential.

The reduction in vibration and noise, combined with the possibility of retrofitting existing hulls, makes this system a valid alternative to the traditional HM configuration, particularly suitable for tourist and coastal fleets.

Sailing into the future

The two hybrid passanger boats on the Provençal coast are a concrete example of how Transfluid technology is contributing to the energy transition in the marine sector.

In a context where environmental regulations are increasingly stringent and awareness of sustainability is growing, hybrid technology becomes a concrete and ready-to-use solution, capable of combining efficiency and respect for the environment.

The silence during navigation, the absence of emissions in port areas, operational flexibility, and reduced fuel consumption make these vessels a benchmark for coastal passenger transport.

Transfluid, thanks to its experience and ability to adapt technology to the specific needs of each application, once again demonstrates its leadership in innovation in the world of marine propulsion. These two vessels, which daily ply the clear waters of the French Riviera, are tangible evidence of how Italian engineering can silently but decisively lead the way towards a more sustainable future.