With M/Y Dagger (FB288), Benetti redefines the concept of the custom superyacht by introducing a vision of hybrid propulsion where technology becomes a tangible factor in enhancing quality of life on board. Silence, freedom from vibration, and operational flexibility form the foundation of a new way of experiencing navigation and living spaces.
Developed and built at the Livorno shipyard, this 67-meter vessel featuring a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and a gross tonnage of 1,334 GT boasts a highly modular hybrid propulsion architecture. The reliability of the naval platform engineered by Benetti engages in a seamless dialogue with the sculptural exterior lines by the British studio RWD and the fully customized interiors crafted by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, all bound together by the guiding principle of adaptability. Technology adapts to the energy scenario, interiors adapt to life on board, and the Oasis Deck® adapts the relationship between the yacht and the sea. This design coherence makes Dagger one of the most mature expressions of Benetti philosophy.
Within this framework, M/Y Dagger represents the latest milestone in Benetti’s two-decade-long commitment to eco-conscious yachting. This evolutionary path began in 2006 with the shipyard’s very first yacht-bound diesel-electric propulsion system and has culminated in recent developments like the B.Neos The Soul of Silence, a project designed from the ground up to operate solely on a full-hybrid configuration.
Benetti’s Green Route is powered directly by its specialized R&D division. This dedicated team is responsible for engineering, testing, and verifying practical, data-driven technological solutions. Their work cements a leadership position built upon ongoing research, rigorous testing, and factual, results-oriented analysis.
M/Y Dagger serves as a real-world proof of this philosophy. It delivers a reliable, fully verified technological system tailored to offer an exceptional onboard experience while significantly reducing its ecological footprint.
The hybrid platform of the B.Now 67M features an advanced modular system. By combining the main engines, generators, and battery packs in different ways, the yacht automatically selects the most efficient and comfortable configuration for any navigation scenario.
At the heart of the engine room is a powerful synergy between two Caterpillar C32 main engines (1193 kW @ 2000-2300 rpm) and three Caterpillar electric generators (two C7.1 units at 118 ekW and one C9.3 unit at 200 ekW). Mechanical and electrical systems are seamlessly bridged by two 200 kW VEM Shaft Generators / Electric Motors (PTO/PTI). These bidirectional units serve two distinct functions:
- PTO (Power Take-Off) Mode: They draw power from the main engines to feed the onboard utilities (hotel loads) and recharge the battery bank.
- PTI (Power Take-In) Mode: They convert energy from the generators or batteries directly into thrust along the propeller shafts.
Additionally, the Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) adjust their blade angle in real time. This optimizes hydrodynamic efficiency and allows the yacht to change speed or reverse course without changing the shaft’s rotation direction, keeping the engines running at their ideal RPM.
This advanced architecture allows the captain to choose between three distinct operating profiles tailored to different cruising scenarios:
- Enhanced Comfort Mode (7 knots): The yacht operates on 100% electric propulsion with the main engines turned off. The diesel generators power the electric motors while the battery bank absorbs load peaks (peak shaving). This setup ensures near-silent operation and maximum acoustic comfort during coastal cruising or night passages.
- Extended Range Mode (12 knots): The vessel relies solely on the main diesel engines, keeping the generators switched off. The Shaft Generators supply all the electricity needed for onboard services (hotel loads). This reduces generator runtime and cuts fuel consumption by up to 15% compared to traditional diesel-mechanical system.
- Eco Transfer Mode (10 knots): Optimized for long-distance transit, this mode uses just a single main engine assisted by the battery pack. This combination significantly lowers fuel consumption and minimizes mechanical wear and tear.
Salt Batteries: Intrinsic Safety and True Sustainability
One of M/Y Dagger’s standout engineering features is its 360 kWh Sodium-Metal Chloride (salt) battery pack, capable of delivering up to 150 kW for peak shaving.
The sodium-metal chloride chemistry ensures absolute safety, as the non-flammable electrolyte completely eliminates the risk of fire and thermal runaway. Because of this high safety profile, the battery modules can be installed directly within existing technical spaces. This eliminates the need for an isolated, dedicated Battery Room with complex fire suppression systems, maximizing usable space onboard.
Furthermore, salt batteries do not degrade during long periods of inactivity and fully restore their performance upon reactivation. At anchor, they allow the generators to be shut down completely, powering all onboard utilities (hotel loads) for up to 2 hours in total silence and with zero local emissions.
Onboard comfort while anchored is further enhanced by an exhaust system routed high above the superstructure to keep the air and the water around the stern clean. Integrated heat exchangers recover thermal energy from the generators for onboard utilities without increasing energy consumption.
Fluid Architecture and Onboard Layout
The seamless continuity between naval architecture and interior design is reflected in a layout articulated to offer dynamic, modular spaces:
Main Deck & Oasis Deck®: life on board centers around the Oasis Deck®, featuring opening side wings (expanding the beam to 14 meters) and an integrated infinity pool. Inside, the Main Deck houses the main salon and an exclusive guest area with 6 spacious guest/VIP cabins featuring large panoramic windows.
Upper Deck: navigation management is centralized on the Bridge Deck, which houses the wheelhouse, office, and captain’s cabin. This deck also features the space reserved for the Owner, complete with a Master Suite, private office, double bathrooms, and an impressive forward private terrace. Aft, a terrace opens alongside the impressive Owner’s Lounge with 6-meter-long floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lower Deck: it accommodates the Beach Club / Wellness area, the tender and toy garage, and dedicated crew quarters for 16 crew members across 9 cabins.
PHOTO CREDITS M/Y DAGGER:
EXTERIOR PH: TOM VAN OOSANEN
INTERIOR PH: THOMAS LOOF