.jpg)
A Game-Changer for Sustainable Yachting
Sanlorenzo has once again redefined the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in yachting. In partnership with MAN, the Italian shipyard announced the development of the industry’s first bi-fuel yacht powered by green methanol, setting a new environmental benchmark. Revealed at Boot Düsseldorf’s Blue Innovation Dock, this groundbreaking project aims to cut navigation emissions by up to 70%, reinforcing Sanlorenzo’s leadership in sustainable yachting.
At the heart of this initiative is the new 50 X-Space, a superyacht designed to integrate cutting-edge propulsion technology while maintaining Sanlorenzo’s signature luxury and craftsmanship. The yacht’s bi-fuel system, developed in collaboration with MAN, allows it to run on a mix of diesel and green methanol, significantly reducing carbon emissions. This project is a crucial step in Sanlorenzo’s "Road to 2030" strategy, which aims to introduce the first carbon-neutral yacht by the decade’s end.
The 50 X-Space: A Revolution in Yacht Propulsion
Scheduled for launch in 2027, the 50 X-Space will feature MAN’s high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines modified to operate with a green methanol/diesel blend. This marks a significant advancement in alternative propulsion technology, surpassing international regulatory targets well ahead of schedule.
The bi-fuel propulsion system is part of the European Union-funded LIFE MYSTIC project, a four-and-a-half-year initiative aimed at advancing sustainable yacht propulsion. In collaboration with MAN’s development partner Ranieri Tonissi and generator specialist Nanni Industries, the project has secured over €4.8 million in funding, with 60% covered by EU grants.
The benefits of this innovation are clear:
- CO₂ emissions reduction: 150 tons per year
- Fossil fuel energy savings: 700 MWh per year
- Reduced air pollution: 630 kg per year
By integrating green methanol technology, Sanlorenzo is not only meeting but exceeding global environmental targets. The 50 X-Space will achieve a 70% reduction in emissions, far surpassing the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 70% reduction goal for 2040 and the EU’s Fit for 55 plan’s 55% target for 2030.
Methanol: The Future of Clean Yachting
Sanlorenzo’s decision to adopt green methanol aligns with a growing trend in maritime decarbonization. Methanol offers several advantages:
- Environmentally friendly: When derived from renewable sources, green methanol is carbon neutral.
- Safety and practicality: It is a liquid at ambient temperature, biodegradable, and requires minimal infrastructure changes.
- Global availability: Over 100 ports worldwide already supply methanol, with Northern Europe leading in adoption for passenger vessels.
As more commercial and passenger ships transition to methanol-powered engines, the infrastructure for refueling continues to expand, making it a viable long-term solution for yachting.
Sanlorenzo has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable luxury yachting, continuously pushing the limits of eco-friendly engineering. In 2024, the company introduced two revolutionary vessels:
- The 50Steel – The world’s first yacht equipped with a green methanol fuel cell system, converting methanol into hydrogen to generate carbon-neutral electricity for onboard systems.
- Bluegame’s BGH-HSV – A hydrogen-powered chase boat, capable of reaching 50 knots with zero emissions, used in the America’s Cup.
These innovations reflect a broader strategy to integrate hydrogen and methanol propulsion systems, leveraging partnerships with industry leaders like Siemens Energy, Rolls-Royce (MTU), and MAN.
Sanlorenzo’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Cav. Massimo Perotti, emphasized the shipyard’s vision:
“Today, the choice for sustainable yachting is no longer optional. The industry must promote solutions that minimize environmental impact. With the 50 X-Space, we set a new benchmark in sustainability, benefiting not just the sector but the entire maritime industry.”
Mikael Lindner, Head of MAN Engines, echoed this sentiment:
“We are committed to simplifying our customers' transition to sustainable solutions. This bi-fuel propulsion system is a critical step toward reducing CO₂ emissions in yachting.”
The Road to 2030: A Carbon-Neutral Future
Sanlorenzo’s "Road to 2030" strategy outlines an ambitious path toward a carbon-neutral fleet. Key initiatives include:
- Strategic agreements with global sustainability leaders.
- Advancements in fuel cell technology for hydrogen and methanol-based energy.
- Increased investment in circular economy projects, such as LIFE MYSTIC.
This forward-thinking approach has also led to strategic acquisitions, including the Nautor Swan Group, expanding Sanlorenzo’s presence in the luxury sailing yacht segment, and Simpson Marine, strengthening its distribution network in Southeast Asia.
Sanlorenzo’s 50 X-Space represents more than just a technological breakthrough—it’s a statement about the future of luxury yachting. By pioneering bi-fuel propulsion, the shipyard is reshaping industry standards and proving that sustainability and luxury can coexist.
As yachting enters a new era of green innovation, Sanlorenzo’s leadership in alternative propulsion cements its position as the industry’s most forward-thinking shipyard. The 50 X-Space will not only redefine superyacht design but also inspire a new generation of yacht owners to embrace cleaner, smarter, and more responsible cruising.
