06/06/2026
ABB has announced a new collaboration with Ecuador-based expedition travel company Quasar Expeditions to retrofit the 52.9-meter yacht Galú with a hybrid-electric propulsion system. The vessel, originally built by Italian shipyard Benetti in the 1970s, will be converted into what ABB calls the first hybrid-electric expedition yacht of its kind operating in the Galápagos Islands.
The modernization will replace the yacht’s conventional combustion engines with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power system platform, an energy storage system, permanent magnet propulsion motors, and modern diesel gensets. The hybrid-electric setup will allow the vessel to operate entirely on battery power while at anchor and during short crossings.
According to ABB, the upgrade will deliver a quieter, more comfortable experience for passengers while significantly reducing emissions in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most sensitive biosphere reserves. The new system will also help the yacht comply with the Galápagos National Park’s strict noise and emission regulations.
“Our first visit to the Galápagos in 1979 changed us forever and inspired Quasar Expeditions,” said Eduardo Diez, owner and chairman of 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.”
The refurbished vessel has been renamed Quasar Conservation to reflect the project’s environmental mission. The modernization is expected to extend the yacht’s operational life by up to 25 years while preserving its original aesthetic and craftsmanship.
“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,” said Tomas Arhippainen, business line manager for marine service and digital at ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “By using ABB’s hybrid-electric system, Quasar Expeditions’ Quasar Conservation perfectly demonstrates the benefits that can be achieved through a comprehensive, collaborative modernization project.”
The announcement follows ABB’s recent agreement to acquire Specialtrasfo, expanding the company’s transformer offering.