Construction Updates on Wider’s Moonflower 72

Construction is well underway on Wider's Moonflower 72, a bespoke project conceptualized by Nauta Design. Situated at Wider's Superyacht Hub in Porto Marghera, Venice, the project maintains its scheduled progress following the keel-laying announcement a year ago.

The steel hull and aluminum superstructure have been melded, with "hot works" now concluded. The machinery outfitting is advancing, and installation of the main engines is planned for the upcoming summer. Piping on the lower decks is in progress, and the division of interior spaces across each deck is advancing, along with interior outfitting.

With the contract signed in January 2022 and delivery anticipated for 2025, Moonflower 72 stands as Wider's inaugural full-custom new-build venture after the company's reinvigoration led by Marcello Maggi, head of W-Fin Sarl, the entity that owns Wider equity.

"The construction of Moonflower 72 is well underway at our Superyacht Hub dedicated exclusively to full-custom projects," states Marcello Maggi, affirming Venice's strategic positioning and the workforce's professionalism. He adds that the alignment between Wider and Nauta Design ensures adherence to the production plan.

Nauta Design's Mario Pedol emphasizes Moonflower's contemporary yet timeless design, marked by a harmonious blend of style and comfort, creating a strong connection between the interior and exterior that harmonizes with nature and the marine environment.

Moonflower 72 will incorporate Wider's latest-generation hybrid propulsion system, equipped with two variable-speed generators from MAN Energy Solutions, each producing 1,860 kW. Partnered with an FZSoNick sodium nickel battery bank of around 1 MW/h, energy can be generated at the lowest consumption point, resulting in a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions.

The endothermic engines are prepared for HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Methanol, aligning with Wider's net-zero approach. Furthermore, the hybrid system's expended heat energy will be repurposed for onboard amenities, optimizing overall efficiency.

Wider's serial hybrid architecture, developed over recent years and also featured in Wider catamarans, introduces a pioneering propulsion system for the full-custom superyacht industry. This system offers enhanced efficiency, silence, reliability, environmental friendliness, and flexibility.

At the system's core lies a DC-Bus, functioning as an energy reservoir that manages diverse components, from generators and batteries to electric propulsion and more. The Power Management System oversees incoming energy, directing it to utilities requiring power or storing it in batteries.

The battery banks play a central role, continuously monitoring and balancing various physical parameters. Generators operate only as needed, optimizing performance and offering up to 10 hours of Zero Emissions Mode cruising and up to 30 hours of hotel and service system use.

Wider was founded by Tilli Antonelli, who started his own company after resigning from the Ferretti Group. The first Wider 42 was launched in 2010. The Wider 150 was launched in October 2015 and was named M/Y Bartali. The Wider 165 was launched in May 2018.