What international businesses and organisations are doing to build a better carbon-neutral future
NEWS AND PROJECTS FOR A CLEANER, MORE SUSTAINABLE WORLD
by Désirée Sormani
THE FIRST YACHT WITH A BI-FUEL ENGINE IS ARRIVING
Sanlorenzo has presented a cutting-edge project, developed in partnership with MAN: the first ever green methanol bi-fuel propulsion system. The new technology will be installed on board the upcoming 50 X-Space, reducing emissions throughout navigation by up to 70%. The project is part of the company’s “Road to 2030” strategy, confirming its pioneering role in technological innovation aimed at reducing environmental impact. The same core strategy has already seen the Group build the 50Steel, the first yacht in the world to be equipped with a green methanol Fuel Cell system, capable of transforming methanol into hydrogen and, in turn, into electricity to power the on-board services equipment through an entirely carbon neutral system. Another milestone has been
“Today, the choice in favor of sustainable mobility and yachting is no longer optional. The 50 X-Space project will set a new benchmark for sustainability in yachting”, Massimo Perotti
the Bluegame BGH-HSV (Hydrogen Support Vessel), the first chase boat to run exclusively on hydrogen propulsion, creating zero emissions while racing at up to 50 knots, designed to support two of the Challenger teams who took on the 2024 edition of the America’s Cup. Sanlorenzo’s ambitious path anticipates and exceeds global and European regulatory standards, aiming to build the first carbon neutral boat by the end of the decade, thanks in part to strategic partnerships with international players. The decision to use methanol to power
the bi-fuel engines stems from the fact that this fuel in particular is one of the most promising alternatives for the future of maritime transport: it is liquid at room temperature, biodegradable and safe to handle, it requires no specifically designed infrastructure, only the adaptation of what already exists, so much so that it is already available in more than 100 ports worldwide. Moreover, when this fuel is produced from renewable sources (so-called “green methanol”), it becomes an entirely zero-emission fuel, as required by the ambitious net-zero goal.
Above, Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Sanlorenzo Group, taking part in the presentation of the new 50 X-Space (left) during the Boot show in Dusseldorf
AZIMUT | BENETTI GROUP JOINS FORCES WITH THE SEA INDEX ® SUPERYACHT ECO ASSOCIATION
TheAzimut|Benetti Group has just announced the signing of a partnership agreement with the SEA Index® Superyacht Eco Association (a non-profit organisation launched in 2020 by the Yacht Club de Monaco with the aim of minimising the impact of yachting in order to preserve the oceans for future generations). The objective of the agreement is to reduce carbon emissions across the yachting industry. The Superyacht Eco Association will support Azimut|Benetti
Group in adopting its flagship SEA Index CO2 Emissions Rating tool for yachts over 24 metres. This will be deployed by Azimut|Benetti Group’s R&D Team as an eco-design tool to enhance the sustainability of its fleet. The SEA Index CO2 Emissions Rating tool delivers accurate, unbiased, third-party verified emissions data. In addition to being used by yacht owners to assess the energy intensity of their vessels, the SEA Index framework can also be integrated into the concept phase of new
Azimut|Benetti Group and SEA Index® Superyacht Eco Association have the potential to drive meaningful change throughout the industry and empower a more sustainable future
yacht builds, to best support eco-conscious design and construction. “We believe this collaboration will encourage greater transparency in terms of data sharing, fostering a more conscious approach among industry players and yacht owners alike,” stated Alessandro Rossi, Chief Product Officer at the Azimut|Benetti Group. This innovative formula is designed to accurately assess and rate the carbon footprint of <24m yachts, thus focusing on the most widespread category of yachts on our seas.
CANTIERE DEL PARDO PRESENTS ITS ECO-CONSCIOUS SAILING BOAT
TheGrand Soleil Blue just made its debut at the most recent edition of Boot Düsseldorf. This new project embodies the commitment established by Grand Soleil Yachts and Cantiere del Pardo towards sustainability and respect for the marine
environment, representing a milestone in eco-friendly yacht building. The GS Blue is the product of a dynamic collaboration between the yard and renowned boatbuilding experts, including the likes of Matteo Polli (Naval Architecture) and Nauta Design (Exterior
Design, Interior Design, and G.A.), along with industry leaders in sustainable materials such as NL Comp. Measuring 10 meters in length, the Grand Soleil Blue berths up to four people, offering a zero-impact sailing experience. At the end of its life cycle, the boat is entirely recyclable, with every component meticulously selected to ensure reusability. In order to make this possible, the model is built using a thermoplastic resin (instead of thermosetting resins, which are significantly difficult, if not impossible, to recycle), which allows for easier separation of the resin and glass or carbon fibres for re-use or eco-responsible disposal. The GS Blue also boasts a smart design approach that allows easy separation in general, lithium batteries for E-Propulsion, solar panels and 6 thermoplastic sails.
NUVOLARI
LENARD
REDEFINES INTERIORS WITH A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
CarloNuvolari and Dan Lenard – co-founders of the Nuvolari Lenard design studio – pay close attention to environmental sustainability and customer wellbeing, both key elements of their renewed interior design approach. The Nuvolari Lenard studio requires from its suppliers information and data on the origin of materials and the techniques used to produce them in order to select the most sustainable options for the environment. But the team’s meticulous supply chain analysis goes even further: the studio also studies the influence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and the release of toxic substances throughout interiors that can persist long after the yacht is delivered. This is of fundamental importance since such substances can impact the quality of the air breathed onboard. Nuvolari Lenard is working with interior construction companies to define construction techniques and materials capable of neutralising these negative effects.
THE VENICE BOAT SHOW CONTINUES ON ITS PATH TOWARDS A GREEN FUTURE
TheVenice Boat Show will open its doors from 29th May to 2nd June. Organised by Vela S.p.A. on behalf of the Venice City Council and in partnership with the Italian Navy, the event will see no less than 15 world debuts showcased along the docks of the Arsenale. As always, the Venice Boat Show will feature a keen focus on electric and hybrid propulsion options for boats between 6 and 50 metres, with transversal innovations embracing traditional, electric, and hydrogen engines. The Show thus continues in its commitment to be a catalyst for the transition towards sustainable yachting, hosting increasingly reliable and technologically advanced boats, alongside leading companies in the production and distribution of hydrogen fuel options for the industry. The Show’s flagship will be the 50-metre Almax, built by Sanlorenzo and which embodies an important step along the path to sustainability, of which Venice is a global capital.
THE QUICK GROUP TAKES ACTION TO REDUCE EMISSIONS AND ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT
TheQuick Group, a global leader in the production and supply of complex systems and pre- and post-sales services for yachts and superyachts, has presented its sustainability programme and targets for 2025. The Group’s ambitious roadmap, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of products developed in-house, continues to move forward with an emphasis on environmental decoupling, particularly decoupling in an absolute sense, which occurs when economic growth continues while fossil fuel consumption and emissions decrease. In its sustainability programme for 2025, the Quick brand will kick things off with carbon emission reductions and plans for large-scale investments dedicated to renewable energy (such as solar panels), while also consolidating its commitment to ensuring the highest standards of transparency throughout the supply chain. The Group is also working closely with suppliers and partners to promote more responsible business processes.
