M/Y Savannah

M/Y Savannah was launched as the world’s first hybrid superyacht and features an innovative, eco-friendly design. Her combination of a single diesel engine, a pioneering electro-mechanical propulsion platform, sleek, dynamic exterior and streamlined hull delivers 30% fuel efficiency and lower noise and vibration levels. Built in 2015 by the Dutch shipyard Feadship, this multi-award-winning superyacht is custom-built for world-class luxury yacht chartering. Being 83.5m (or 273’ 11”) in length, she offers flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 cabins and features interior styling by CG Design. She affords a wealth of spacious, open-plan interior living and open aft deck areas, as well as sensational amenities, such as an underwater lounge, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, an elevator and a gym.

Following successful factory acceptance and on-board testing, Brentwood Communications deployed a Motorola Solutions DIMETRA Express TETRA system which included the MTS2 base station. Its small footprint and ease of maintenance, combined with remote management, meant this was an ideal solution for M/Y Savannah. Brentwood Communications also implemented a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) comprising a network of ten internal antennas, to ensure robust coverage throughout, even in the lowest, most inaccessible areas of the vessel. Crew members, meanwhile, were equipped with the advanced MXP600 and the compact ST7500 TETRA radios with suitable accessories.

Prior to the deployment, Brentwood Communications had also spent several days with long-term Motorola Solutions application developer GV Marine, in order to integrate its VesselWatch Alarm Management module into the system. This intelligent software, which has been designed especially for the luxury marine market, has been configured to push instant engine or fire alarms in the form of text messages to the radios of the engineers and crew of M/Y Savannah should alarms be triggered, to help them respond quickly and efficiently to any incidents, so keeping both the guests and the crew safe. Alarms include thrusters, compressors, cooling, pumps, stabilisers, lighting, doors and hatches, fire dampers, ventilation and exhaust gas. As Tom Parker, ETO, M/Y Savannah, explains: “These sorts of solutions mean we can focus on our daily work, safe in the knowledge we will be immediately notified in case of any issues.”

Meanwhile the radios are monitored via the browser- based Radio Control Manager application, which can also be used for Dynamic Group Number Assignment (DGNA) and to temporarily or permanently disable radios, if needed. This remote management and updating is ideal for an ocean-bound vessel and is saving time, reducing costs and keeping M/Y Savannah’s infrastructure and devices working optimally and securely.

The DIMETRA Express system meets all M/Y Savannah’s current needs and is fully flexible, to meet any developing requirements in the future. Tom Parker summarises: “We are delighted with the coverage, sound quality and efficiency of our new DIMETRA Express system. Installation was quick and it’s easy to manage. And Brentwood’s consultative approach has really helped us; they go the extra mile, solve issues before they arise and aim to get the initial installation correct, which saves headaches and costs in the long term. We feel they are focused on developing and sustaining our relationship for the very long term – indeed, for M/Y Savannah’s lifetime.”