Spirit of The Sound

The Spirit of The Sound was the first research vessel in North America with hybrid-electric propulsion and now cruises all year round, offering a cleaner and greener venue to explore Long Island Sound in Connecticut, USA.

The Spirit of The Sound is a unique vessel due to its hybrid marine variable speed genset, which is powered by an engine using ultra-low-sulfur fuel and battery power. The result is maximum fuel efficiency, reduced engine usage and maintenance, reduced noise and unmatched reliability, dependability and serviceability.

McKay were approached by Derecktor Inc to design and deliver the complex electric works associated with hybrid propulsion. The McKay team, who already had existing expertise in the marine hybrid space, were able to provide full electrical design and engineering for the vessel in addition to the supply of electrical distribution system equipment and switchboards. The full scope of works can be seen below:

McKay – Electrical Design

To provide detail electrical design drawings and cable schedules for:

  • AC Single Line Diagram
  • DC Single Line Diagram
  • 24V DC Pilothouse Distribution Panel
  • 24V DC Pilothouse Emergency Distribution Panel
  • 208V Main Switchboard and Distribution Panel
  • Pilothouse Instrument Panel
  • 2x Shunt Boxes
  • Integration for BAE hybridrive system

McKay – Switchboards

To construct, test and deliver the following switchboards for the 19m Catamaran:

  • 1x 24V DC Pilothouse Distribution Panel
  • 1x 24V DC Pilothouse Emergency Distribution Panel
  • 1x 208V Main Switchboard and Distribution Panel
  • 1x Pilothouse Instrument Panel
  • 2x Shunt Box