This thesis investigates the implementation of modularity in the early-stage design process of custom luxury yachts, specifically targeting the Feadship fleet between 75 and 110 meters. The research aims to determine whether modular design methods can optimize efficiency and creativity while maintaining the high degree of customization demanded by clients. To address this, the thesis introduces Modular Function Deployment (MFD) as a structured framework for identifying and evaluating yacht systems suitable for modularization.

Key insights from the study demonstrate that MFD, coupled with innovative tools such as the Area Prediction tool and the Arrangement Generator tool, can enhance both design creativity and efficiency. Contrary to concerns that modularity might restrict creativity, these tools offer designers a structured yet flexible platform for exploring numerous configurations. This encourages the exploration of innovative design arrangements that push the boundaries of conventional yacht architecture.

The study also focuses on evaluating how designers can benefit from modular principles. The Area Prediction tool, based on the Random Forest regression model, predicts the surface areas of different yacht modules. The Arrangement Generator tool allows designers to visualize potential layouts, iterating through various combinations rapidly. These tools support designers in generating new, optimized arrangements that maintain high levels of customization. A case study with Feadship designers highlights the fact that modularity offers substantial benefits, although challenges remain in terms of integrating these tools fully into the creative process.

Future research is suggested to explore whether yacht clients will accept modularity without perceiving the designs as less bespoke, how designers can shift from traditional bespoke methods to modular approaches, and how regulatory challenges may be navigated. But more important, the impact of the ongoing energy transition on future yacht designs is considered significant, necessitating future updates to the prediction tools as yacht specifications evolve.

This study aims to provide a proof of concept of a plug-in hybrid electric superyacht. In this way, the yachting industry can help reduce carbon emissions worldwide and potentially increase comfort levels. The concept takes advantage of the typical operating profile of a yacht. A statistical analysis is performed to discretise this and obtain parameters for the all-electric design range at design speed. The available shore power is examined by means of a questionnaire. Three options to compensate the battery weight are presented to minimise impact on design. The resulting concept versions are checked for their potential impacts on four aspects: Design, Sustainability, Comfort and Operation. This includes a life-cycle assessment that results in serious impacts on sustainability at an all-electric range of 2% to 3% of the full range capability. Finally, the concept is tested by means of a test cruise.

This research has been performed with the goal to set up a model for the comparison of the environmental impact caused by the production of yachts. This model is created in such a way that it can be implemented in the YETI, Yacht Environmental Transparency Index, which is currently under development. The model that is created is based on a Life Cycle Assessment methodology named Fast Track LCA. This methodology consists of five steps which are further standardized to meet the requirements of the YETI. Choices are made for the functional unit, system boundaries, the quantification of materials, the assessment method, environmental database and LCA software. With a case study, the created model is validated as the results have realistic values. Some other design choices are applied on the case study to check the sensitivity of the model. The sensitivity was enough to show the effect of a different hull material and the use of batteries for the hotel load and peak shaving. It is concluded that the model can be used for the comparison of the environmental impact from production of different yachts. However, it should be noted that due to design choices for the model based on the requirement for comparison, the outcome itself is an underestimation of the environmental impact from yacht production.