World's first hybrid to hit NZ shores this year

The Greenline 33 has an impressive 1120km range. Photo / Supplied

What is claimed to be the world's first production hybrid boat is due to arrive in New Zealand later this year.

The Greenline 33, apparently the result of three years of rigorous development and testing, features what New Zealand agent Richard Wardenburg describes as a "revolutionary super displacement" hull.

The 10m boat will be conventionally powered by a Volkswagen TDI 165hp five-cylinder marine engine and have a top speed of 15 knots. According to Wardenburg it will also consume just four litres of fuel per hour at seven knots and have a 1120km range at normal cruising speeds.

The hybrid will also be able to cruise in "emission-free electric mode", with a top speed of six knots and a range of up to 25 nautical miles.

Wardenburg says the Greenline 33 has received lots of positive publicity in Europe where it has won four major boat awards (European Boat of the Year, Slovenian Boat of the Year, Croatian Boat of the Year and Powerboat of the Year at the Hiswa Amsterdam Boat Show) as well as the Swedish Environment Award.

The boat will feature a European interior with owner's cabin and en suite and accommodation for three more in the saloon. Other features include a luxury saloon and galley with an electric fridge and freezer, walkaround decks and a remote controlled, electronic opening aft platform.

According to Wardenburg, 80 Greenline 33s have been sold since its launch in February and a 12m version is due for release in 2011.

The hybrid version of the Greenline 33 will have a price tag of $380,000 when it arrives later in the year, with the non-hybrid version costing $299,000.