ABB is collaborating with Ecuadorian expedition travel company Quasar Expeditions to retrofit a 52.9-metre expedition yacht with hybrid-electric propulsion, in a project that, according to ABB, will make the vessel the first of its kind to operate in the Galápagos Islands.

The yacht, formerly known as Galú and now renamed Quasar Conservation, was originally built by Italian shipyard Benetti in the 1970s. The modernisation project will convert the vessel from conventional combustion engines to a hybrid-electric propulsion system, enabling it to operate on battery power alone during anchor periods and short crossings.

The propulsion system comprises ABB's onboard DC grid power system platform, an energy storage system (ESS) with a capacity of 814 kilowatt-hours, permanent magnet propulsion motors, and modern diesel gensets. ABB's power and energy management system (PEMS) will optimise the use of onboard energy resources across the combined hybrid configuration.

According to ABB, the system will support compliance with the Galápagos National Park's noise and emission regulations, while also reducing fuel consumption. The reduced noise and vibration levels are designed to enhance passenger and crew comfort and minimise disruption to the surrounding ecosystem.

Eduardo Diez, owner and chairman of Quasar Expeditions, commented: "Our first visit to the Galápagos in 1979 changed us forever and inspired Quasar Expeditions. Today, tourism brings both benefits and risks to these islands we love. That's why we partnered with ABB to develop Quasar Conservation, a hybrid-electric yacht that redefines sustainable luxury without compromise."

ABB explained that the modernisation project will also extend the vessel's operational life by up to 25 years, while preserving its original aesthetic and craftsmanship — and that the approach is more cost-efficient and sustainable than building a new vessel.

Tomas Arhippainen, business line manager, Marine Service & Digital at ABB's Marine & Ports division, said: "Expedition cruising is one of the most technology-intensive growth segments in the maritime industry, with operators increasingly specifying advanced solutions that enhance efficiency while preserving luxury and passenger comfort. By using ABB's hybrid-electric system, Quasar Expeditions' Quasar Conservation perfectly demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved through a comprehensive, collaborative modernisation project."

ABB added that its onboard DC grid platform is suited to space-limited retrofit applications, offering fault tolerance for vessels operating in remote waters. The modular DC power platform enables integration of the battery ESS and diesel gensets, with ABB claiming efficiency gains over conventional mechanical drivetrains when combined with permanent magnet motors.